To be authentic is to be genuine ‘undisputed origin and not a copy.’ Forgery and plagiarism surround this word how do you know if something is ‘true’ or ‘real’ Denis Dutton refers to this as nominal authenticity, the deceptive intentions to recreate or claim work as your own. ‘Expressive authenticity in contrast refers to how much the work possesses original or inherent authority. “Committed, personal expression, being true musically to one’s artistic self, rather than true to an historical tradition.” [1] This quote hints and picks up the principles of modernism – ‘deliberate rejection of the styles of the past’ to make new, start again, refresh and move one.
To be unique and original is difficult within the arts as you’re constantly inspired by past movements and artists. As Jim Jarmush claims ‘nothing is original’ furthermore stating ‘authenticity is invaluable; originality is non-existent.’ However, I personally believe you can be authentic if you’re creating work that isn’t a replica of something else. You can pick up on what you find successful within a piece of art but it’s what you do with that, that defines it as genuine and authentic. Select only things ‘that speak directly to your soul’. As Jean-Luc Godard states “it’s not where you take things from – it’s where you take them to.” [2]
Within contemporary practice I think it’s clearly evident that the principles of modernism are valuable. Artists emerge who’re inspired by past movements, artist etc however, they’re defining their own era. Focusing on materials, techniques and processes to create abstract art.
- 1-Denisdutton.com. (n.d.). Denis Dutton on authenticity in art. [online] Available at: http://www.denisdutton.com/authenticity.htm [Accessed Nov. 2017]
- 2-Susanka, J. and Susanka, J. (n.d.). Jim Jarmusch on Artistic Inspiration and the Value of Authentic Theft. [online] Joseph Susanka. Available at: http://www.josephsusanka.com/summa-this-summa-that/2016/1/26/jim-jarmusch-on-artistic-theft [Accessed Nov. 2017]
- Tate. (2017). Modernism – Art Term | Tate. [online] Available at: http://www.tate.org.uk/art/art-terms/m/modernism [Accessed Nov. 2017]