Authenticity

The definition of Authentic is defined by Walter Benjamin ‘to describe the qualities of an original work of art as opposed to a reproduction.’

Art in any shape or form asks the question of whether original artwork produced by artists and designers can ever be truly authentic?

In my opinion, I believe artists and designers can be truly authentic as long as the idea that has inspired/ interested them to create the work has understood the concept and has developed it further enough so that it doesn’t resemble the original artwork. As art is everywhere, we as practitioners are exposed to so many different forms and shapes of art that surrounds us, that even when we come up with an original concept, it appears to be copied.

Artists and designers who copyright their work can be seen as authentic, as they own the artwork. To those that reproduce the original work it wouldn’t be seen as authentic as it is copying someone else’s work. Eg, Marc Quinn – Blood heads would be seen as authentic because it’s original and personal to the artist as it made by a cast of his own head filled with his blood.

In today’s society, modernism still plays a part in contemporary practice as it is still currently being used. However, the influence of modernism could may make it relatively difficult for artists and designers to be original with their work. Modernism still surrounds as in the sense of form where sometimes ‘less is more.’

Design movements such as Dadaism still influence artists today with its innovation with type, making type visually interesting, exciting and artistic.