Sherrie Levine

Definition

Sherrie Levine is an influential contemporary artist known for her work that challenges traditional notions of authorship and originality through the practice of appropriation. By rephotographing iconic images and artworks, Levine critiques the ideas of value and authenticity in art, engaging with themes of reproduction and representation. Her approach links directly to discussions about pastiche, the reuse of styles and forms, and critiques of grand narratives in art history.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Levine gained significant attention in the 1980s for her series of rephotographed works, particularly her reinterpretation of famous photographs by artists like Edward Weston and Walker Evans.
2. She is often associated with the Pictures Generation, a group of artists who challenged traditional concepts of image-making by exploring the implications of mass media and consumer culture.
3. Levine's work raises critical questions about gender, identity, and the role of the artist in contemporary culture, particularly in how female artists are often overlooked in art history.
4. By using familiar images from art history, Levine forces viewers to reconsider their preconceived notions about value, authenticity, and the role of the artist as an individual creator.
5. Her practice has influenced a new generation of artists who engage with appropriation as a means to explore themes of ownership and authenticity in a postmodern context.

Review Questions

• How does Sherrie Levine's work exemplify the principles of appropriation art?
  • Sherrie Levine's work exemplifies appropriation art by directly engaging with existing images and artworks, challenging notions of originality and authorship. By rephotographing iconic photographs and artworks, she highlights how meaning can change when context shifts. This practice forces viewers to confront issues related to value and authenticity in a world dominated by mass reproduction.
• In what ways does Levine's approach reflect broader postmodernist themes in contemporary art?
  • Levine's approach reflects broader postmodernist themes by questioning grand narratives around authorship and originality while embracing irony and pastiche. Her work serves as a critique of traditional art historical values, suggesting that meaning is not inherent but rather constructed through context. By blending high art with popular culture references, she showcases the complexities of representation in a media-saturated society.
• Evaluate the impact of Sherrie Levine's work on contemporary discussions about gender and identity in art.
  • Sherrie Levine's work has significantly impacted contemporary discussions about gender and identity by challenging the male-dominated narratives within art history. Through her appropriation practices, she foregrounds the experiences of women artists who have historically been marginalized. By reinterpreting male-authored works, she invites a reevaluation of how gender shapes perceptions of artistic value and influence, ultimately contributing to more inclusive conversations within the art world.

Related terms

Appropriation Art: A movement where artists take existing objects or images and recontextualize them in their own work, raising questions about originality and ownership.

Postmodernism: A broad movement in art, architecture, and culture that emerged in the late 20th century, characterized by a questioning of grand narratives and embracing of irony, pastiche, and diversity.

Rephotography: A photographic technique where an artist takes a photograph of an existing photograph, emphasizing the relationship between the original and the reproduction.