Why is it a general assumption that the first of any form of literature/art/media is inherently 'better' than proceeding works of art by the same artist? Does ingenuity supersede the product itself? Examples include: the first Star Wars film compared to the others, Guns N Roses' first album, etc.
I think a good point to make is that the '1st' of things usually become called 'classic.' Take for example the movies Red and Red 2. Both movies in their own right are very well done: good plots, good score, good acting. However, because Red was first it had more time to be considered a favorite/classic. – chikkabooo8 years ago
I feel like a lot of the times, the mistake made is the comparison doesn't really end up being between 'good' or 'better', it's more of 'the first one' versus 'the new one'.
By which I mean to say, that instead of trying to see if a remake/sequel is GOOD or not, we end up trying to see if it's similar to the previous work or not (this holds especially true if the first work has been a success). Naturally, unless the creator is in the habit of repeating themself, one doesn't find too many similarities to point out, effectively pronouncing that the new work of art is 'not as good', even though all we actually figured out is that the new work of art is 'not like the last one'. – JayBird8 years ago
Everyone knows the second Star Wars was the best... – Sboother8 years ago
Things to discuss would be interrelated issues of authenticity, originality and historical primacy. Herbert Read argued that a desire for novelty, originality and primacy is one of the strongest biological impulses in the average human – due to the evolutionary need to adapt to unusual circumstances and the desire to propagate – and used this biological analogy to explain the innate “goodness” attached works considered the “first” or “original”. Edward Young proposed that what we consider ‘originals’ are mostly ‘accidental’, out-surviving or overshadowing the works that they actually imitated or were heavily influenced by. If, for instance, the Mona Lisa and all of the information about the original painting was destroyed, an art historian might see an early copy as the ‘original’. Perhaps the feeling that “nothing is original” is due to the fact that no information or artefacts is lost or destroyed by the modern digitisation and democratisation of information. There is a distinction to be made, perhaps, between something that is imitative, such as a forgery or copy, and something that is a development, like a sequel. When presented with an original painting and a good forgery or imitation we have a reason for not considering them of equal value. Although the aesthetic value of such a copy could be the same as that of the original painting, it would completely lack the art-historical value, with the former work inspiring others and developing art in general. Clearly, one does not want to give the same credit to someone who mechanistically copied a work in which an artist invested ingenuity and original thinking. This is reflected in how the legal language concerning the originality standard in copyright law has generally converged around the “sweat-of-the-brow” of the creator as well as the “skill, judgement or labour” invested in the object. In other words, it has proven difficult for courts to separate the effort and industriousness of reproduction without incorporating terms such as creativity or personality. An additional idea here is that the original object was a more “authentic” expression of an artist’s “self” or “intentions” not mediated or infringed upon by interlopers. – Christopher Pottecary8 years ago
With many Pop musicians, what you see is what you get. Their personal lives are kept at a safe distance from their work in a very profesional, cut-and-dry fashion. And then there are the others – Prince, MF Doom, Rammstein, Die Antwoord, (to name a few off the top of my head). These artists and artist groups built what might be termed their Pop Persona; that persona is an image, and that image plays into the music itself. The artist cannot be disregarded when listening to the music, yet these artists are often able to balance such a level of involvement with the imaginary celebrity they've constructed around themselves with easy-to-access points of entry for newcomers who just want to enjoy the music. In a way, this also occurred with Andy Warhol, but we might say he was playing off of something that already existed- which means it was around even before his time.
This topic would be very hard to talk about, but I can't help but feel as though it's gone unaddressed in mass cultural discussion. I'm also unsure if this kind of topic is fitting for Artifice, but I thought I would throw it out there anyway.
I believe what you are situating here is a pop star which say Justin Bieber or Britney Spears whose personal is out there for all to see and too exploit. Whereas, pop stars like Prince and David Bowie were/ are relatively private individuals; however, they created an alter persona for the public. And perhaps the article can speak about these differences from a musical point of view and how it affects or doesn't affect the musician. – Venus Echos9 years ago
For other possible examples, Lady Gaga and Nicki Minaj have done multiple personas as well. – Emily Deibler9 years ago
I think I understand what you are trying to approach here, but I believe there is some unclarity in what the actual topic should be. Are you aiming to propose an exploration of music icons, versus those who are newcomers? – Arazoo Ferozan9 years ago
Tangentially, you could also explore how the personas of musicians in their music are inextricably projected into their personal lives? – stefancharles9 years ago
Some brand characters include Dos Equis' "the most interesting man in the world", Jolly Green Giant, and The Michelin Man. These characters are meant to establish long term recognition and should be effective in having a cultural impact. What's the story behind certain brand characters like the Marlboro Man, Pillsbury Doughboy, or Tony the Tiger? How do they embody the brand's identity and appeal to their target market/consumers? How have they evolved over the years?
Let's not forget the Progressive Insurance lady, Flo! She's the best! – Christen Mandracchia9 years ago
I think it would be more interesting to steer away from simply telling the stories of certain brand mascots, towards talking about the development of these mascots over the years, i.e. who they are appealing to, what sort of marketing concepts are they appealing to. While it will be necessary to discuss the stories behind some of them, there should be some discussion about the development over time, and trying to deduce the path into the future of characters in advertising. – Matthew Sims9 years ago
I think it will be more beneficial to narrow down the topic to some specific areas of discussion. A common denominator or target theme might help to have a solid discussion. For example focusing on a few different cosmetic companies as a focal point to see how each use characters to create a familiar brand, who their target consumers were and how have they evolved over the years. – Arazoo Ferozan9 years ago
Two of the commentators before me have focused on the idea of how one of the characters has changed over the years. Two related cases I remember reading something about are Aunt Jemima (with her changing appearances) and the Marlboro Man (introduced to give that cigarette brand an entirely new, masculine association). Rather than track a character over time, it would also be possible to develop a close reading of the character's appearance and performance at any one given moment. – JamesBKelley8 years ago
How was Bowie's own creativity through music and other mediums has also caused others to be influenced in their own work.
I recommend for researching this to look at recent comments made after this death. Many people have talked about how he was an inspiration. If the writer can find some of these examples he or she can look to that artist's work to find examples. One example I can think of off the top of my head was Broadway director Robert Jess Roth who directed the original production of Beauty and the Beast says that his biggest influence is rock gods like Bowie. This was reflected in the way he designed the Beast as more of a rock star than an animal. One example, but this is the KIND of research and evidence I suggest the writer uses. – Christen Mandracchia9 years ago
I think it would be useful to mention his androgynout style inspiring lgbt rights and freedom. Also, he blew off his Hall of Fame induction. Perhaps look at that as a form of inspiration to not care about the hype? Then of course his creative and versatile music and his music videos! Find examples if how his musical style changed over time and the artists that credit him as an influence or at least adopted some of his style in their own art. – Robyn McComb9 years ago
Lady GaGa has always said that David Bowie was a major influence for her music (to the point where she copied or used direct lines from his work). I myself have written a few pieces that were inspired by him.
Even the 11th Doctor, Peter Capaldi, said that he based his Doctor Who wardrobe on David Bowie. – JennyCardinal8 years ago
Dylan fan, mentioned by George Clinton, sampled by James Brown, and declined knighthood; truly one of the greats. – Tigey8 years ago
Are you asking if Bowie has influenced other artists? – T. Palomino2 years ago
Plastic surgery is a trend for men and women. However, nowadays people seem to praise those who do not do plastic surgery. For example, in South Korea many women do at the least botox or double eyelid surgery. But nowadays people have praised actresses like Park Sodam who does not have the "typical" pretty girl look, however, is praised for being beautiful with her natural look. People are emphasizing the fact that she shouldn't do plastic surgery to survive the entertainment industry. Another example is singer Lee Hyori who was in a famous girl group during the 90s, however, people praise her because she doesn't do any plastic surgery as she gets older. Many other celebrities her age are starting to look plastic surgery monsters, their faces are unrecognizable.
This is intriguing. I'm curious how this topic will extend into art forms. Someone approaching this could potentially analyze if and how the topic of plastic surgery is approached in art and use the real life occurrences expressed here as a jumping-off point. – emilydeibler9 years ago
There is potential here to talk about the affect of photography as an art form, and the way that editing the human body as part of a piece of art has affected body image? Although that seems to be an entirely different topic. It seems that you're getting at plastic surgery in the context of celebrities and entertainment. – MichelleAjodah9 years ago
This could be under the literature section if someone wanted to cover the trilogy by Scott Westerfeld of The Uglies, The Pretties and The Specials. – Munjeera9 years ago
I agree that this topic could benefit from a different angle so that it's relevant to the arts or literature. I would suggest watching out for judgmental language though, (ie. "plastic surgery monsters"). – Tiffany9 years ago
The recent election of Donald Trump as president elect of the United States has created anxiety in the hearts and minds of much of the populace, especially with regard to a possible repealing of rights for minorities, women, the LGBT population, immigrants, and to the environment itself. Given the prospect of a seemingly more marginalized media, how could such atmosphere affect the visual arts?
Much compelling art is made in protest to things exactly like this. Would this be an angle for this article? Or would it be more centered on the acceptance of the creative life within society? – Mariel Tishma8 years ago
Personally, I've read Literary Hub articles where the arts as a whole actually flourished under Regan (e.g. SST records, the "Our Band Could Be Your Life" book, indie rock in general, among the other mediums). I hope this era of Trump will incentivize another golden age of progressive art. – Kyle8 years ago
yes this definitely seems like a possibility. It is necessary to stay vigilant and make sure that the freedom of expression that is so cherished in the visual arts is not impeded. We don't need another Jesse Helms de-funding federal resources to the arts. – jonj7248 years ago
Such a broad question that the answer can virtually be anything. – T. Palomino2 years ago
Anyone who has been following the US elections knows about Donald Trump's moral values, though many would argue that his morals are more than questionable. With such a person taking charge, how will Trump's radical ideals effect the entertainment industry which uses its productions to highlight ethical values.
Undoubtedly cultural life is strongly influenced by changes in political systems and social structures. However I don't think that Trump will have the power to 'overtake' the artistic field in the US. First of all because, according to me, this is a man with no vision for the future, he is narrow-minded and not suitable to be the head of such a leading power country. Second, I think that the indusrty is not that easily manipulated, on the contrary, topics such as immigration, feminism and so on may become the focal point of their investigation. – Kaya8 years ago
To quote a professor of mine: "The best tragedies have always been written in times of political turmoil. If nothing else, a Trump presidency will mean four years of great theatre." Food for thought. – ProtoCanon8 years ago
I feel like a large, LARGE part of the answer to this can come from Goebbels and Riefenstahl's films during the Nazi era. The difference would only be in terms of the restrictions imposed. Also, I'm looking to see a rapid undoing of the progress made in terms of female centric / minority centric cinema coming from Hollywood, rapid increase in cultural stereotyping of actors (you could take a look at this YouTube video song for more on this : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FSwhRZwFjfY ), and lots of violence and racist/sexist humour in terms of both television, music and cinema. I would like to hope literature will be less affected, but who knows? – JayBird8 years ago
It all depends on how people react to Trump's win. Those who are morally corrupt will continue to create garbage, and people who are morally correct will excel and create mind-blowing entertainment. Trump is not an immoral person. He said immoral things to get the attention of immoral people. – mjrogus8 years ago
I tend to agree with mjgorus. Trump's inflammatory campaign, while based on unfettered candor considered to be offensive to certain groups(woman, people of color, immigrants, etc.), spoke to another group of people who were uncertain of how to participate in the ever-growing culture wars consuming our country. I did support Clinton, but I found Trump's rhetoric to connect with a lot of white middle class people who were afraid to address racism and sexism due to the threat of being labeled a bigot, sexist, or racist. Not that I'm advocating all of his grumpy ramblings, but I do think these are in fact very interesting times for our country. It would be nice to see a return to The Golden Age of Hollywood while also incorporating our cultural diversity. But more importantly, it would be great to see NEW movies, and not dull remakes strung together with unintelligible modern twists. – DrownSoda8 years ago
From traditional Folklife tattooing to the evolving methods and styles of tattooing (watercolor, biomechanical, pixels, dot work), tattoos are the unsung contributions to the world of art.
In 2013, Buzzfeed compiled a listicle of 13 brilliant tattooists who are contributing to the new artistic stylings: (link)
The Smithsonian Center of Folklife and Cultural Heritage held a 2012 exhibit on tattoos, and the New York Times profiled a 2013 Highbrow Ink exhibit regarding the artistry of tattoos.
In what ways do tattoos conform to artistic norms and practices, and in what ways are they still regarded as culturally inferior expressions of art? Examine the bias (and growing acceptance) to tattoo culture, and draw parallels to how similar bias existed regarding modern art, living art, and various other forms artistic expression throughout history.
As someone with numerous tattoos--many of which, if not all, are inspired by literary and poetic works--I love this topic! There is always a debate regarding whether or not tattoo artists can truly be considered artists. This is asinine, especially due to the amount of time and skill implemented in the sketches for tattoos. Great inclusion of the exhibit featured at the Smithsonian! I know a few people who went and said it was amazing. I do hope this topic gets picked up...great conversation piece! – danielle5778 years ago
There's currently an exhibit on until September at the ROM in Toronto called "Tattoos. Ritual. Identity. Obsession. Art.", which explores the history of tattoos (and highlights how so many traditions were destroyed by colonialism...). It was fascinating, and I would highly recommend checking it out for sources. – tmorand8 years ago
Interesting art form that combines the traditional and the avant-garde! – jcsart8 years ago
