Sherrie Levine

Definition

Sherrie Levine is an American artist known for her work in the postmodern art movement, particularly in her exploration of appropriation and the questioning of originality. Her practice involves rephotographing and recontextualizing existing artworks, a method that challenges the traditional notions of authorship and authenticity in art. Levine's work resonates with themes introduced by earlier artists like Andy Warhol, as it critiques mass production and the commodification of art.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Levine gained prominence in the late 1970s with her series of rephotographed works, notably her reinterpretation of famous photographs by male photographers.
2. Her piece 'After Walker Evans' is a significant work that involves rephotographing Evans' iconic images from the Great Depression, highlighting issues of authorship and reproduction.
3. Levine's work aligns with feminist critiques of the male-dominated art world, as she often examines the implications of gender within the context of art and representation.
4. In her career, Levine has sparked discussions about intellectual property rights and how they pertain to artistic practice, raising questions about what it means to create art in a culture saturated with images.
5. Levine has continued to be an influential figure in contemporary art, inspiring a new generation of artists who engage with ideas of replication and cultural commentary.

Review Questions

• How does Sherrie Levine's approach to appropriation challenge traditional ideas about originality in art?
  • Sherrie Levine's approach to appropriation directly challenges traditional ideas about originality by rephotographing and recontextualizing existing artworks. By taking established images and presenting them as her own, she questions the very notion of authorship and what it means to create something original. This method forces viewers to reconsider the value placed on unique artworks in a culture dominated by mass reproduction, echoing ideas popularized by artists like Andy Warhol.
• Discuss the impact of Sherrie Levine's work on feminist discourse within the art world.
  • Sherrie Levine's work significantly impacts feminist discourse by addressing issues related to gender representation in art. By appropriating works predominantly created by male artists, she critiques the historical exclusion of women from the narrative of art history. This act of reclaiming visibility for women artists has contributed to broader discussions about gender dynamics within the art world, emphasizing the need for a more inclusive understanding of artistic contributions.
• Evaluate how Sherrie Levine’s practices reflect broader trends in postmodernism and their relevance in contemporary art.
  • Sherrie Levine’s practices embody key trends in postmodernism by embracing irony, pastiche, and a critical stance towards established norms. Her use of appropriation not only comments on the nature of originality but also aligns with contemporary concerns about intellectual property and cultural production. In today’s digital age, where images are endlessly reproduced and circulated online, Levine’s work remains relevant as it prompts ongoing discussions about authenticity, authorship, and the value of art in a hyper-mediated world.

Related terms

Appropriation Art: An artistic practice where artists take existing images or objects and recontextualize them to create new meanings.

Postmodernism: A broad movement in art and culture that emerged in the late 20th century, characterized by a skeptical, self-aware approach to traditional narratives and established conventions.

Conceptual Art: An art form where the concept or idea behind the artwork is more important than the finished product or aesthetic value.