The Art Forger
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The Art Forger and ethics
Leslie
Oct 28, 2014 03:01PM
What do you think is the value to the public of forged art work that is clearly marketed as such? Is there a justification or do you see the forgery as infringement on the artist's rights?
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One of my favorite quotes on the subject is from Oscar Wilde: “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery that mediocrity can pay to greatness.”
The truth is humans and animals copy what they see around them, it is seen in nature as camouflage and people trying to fit in with those around them. Not all of us can or are willing to financially foot the presence of a Degas in our kitchen but I will happily pay for a copy to sip and stare over my morning copy that creates an immense amount of joy. Is it mediocre? Now that's where this conversation gets interesting... Wouldn't it be more inspiring to have a piece of my own work inspired by the same Degas piece instead of just a copy? Here in lies what that 'forged' work does by existing - does it simply strike emotion? Does it steal from the original piece? Does it simply share the emotion of the original piece? Or does it actually steal from my own personal creativity since I could have used my own energy to create a beautiful piece all my own that could inspire me for many coffees to come... And that in lies a question I find MUCH more intriguing.
The truth is humans and animals copy what they see around them, it is seen in nature as camouflage and people trying to fit in with those around them. Not all of us can or are willing to financially foot the presence of a Degas in our kitchen but I will happily pay for a copy to sip and stare over my morning copy that creates an immense amount of joy. Is it mediocre? Now that's where this conversation gets interesting... Wouldn't it be more inspiring to have a piece of my own work inspired by the same Degas piece instead of just a copy? Here in lies what that 'forged' work does by existing - does it simply strike emotion? Does it steal from the original piece? Does it simply share the emotion of the original piece? Or does it actually steal from my own personal creativity since I could have used my own energy to create a beautiful piece all my own that could inspire me for many coffees to come... And that in lies a question I find MUCH more intriguing.
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