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The Problem of Originality

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Authors
Blond, Simon
Date
2005
Type
Conference Paper

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Blond, S. 2005. The Problem of Originality, in de Clario, D. (ed), ACUADS 2005 Conference: Artists, Designers and Creative Communities, Sep 28-30 2005, pp. 1-7. Western Australia: Australian Council of University Art and Design Schools.
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ACUADS 2005 Conference: artists, designers and creative communities
Source Conference
ACUADS 2005 Conference: artists, designers and creative communities
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Faculty of Built Environment, Art and Design
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Abstract

The idea of originality in art together with that of the unique individuality of the subject was central to modernism. Since the 1970s however the notions of originality and individuality have come under persistent interrogation by writers such as Frederick Jameson and Rosalind Krauss. In this paper I question the validity of their arguments suggesting that their position is essentially ideological. I then go on to ask what are the problems that face art students in achieving originality in their practice and what are the conditions that we as art educators need to set up in order to make this more possible. In doing so I consider the place of theory in the light of the criticisms made by Peter Timms in his recent book What’s Wrong with Contemporary Art?