Art of Our Time: “Appropriation” Art

In the visual arts the practice of imitation—borrowing, copying, adopting, from the works of other artists and art forms—has been central to art historical tradition. Since the late 20th century, artists have practiced a new form of imitation, termed “appropriation.” These artists borrow from high art tradition (Rubens, Caravaggio, Vermeer), as well as from commercial and popular mass media and culture. They take a critical view of the subject matter, relocating and adapting their borrowed imagery to new surroundings, “re-contextualizing” it and compelling viewers to see the familiar in new ways. Some artists use unusual materials, like glitter and Meissen porcelain.