I propose to write on the subject of multi-media writing in relation to the Free Art and Technology movement and the work of the Graffiti Research Lab. These organizations dedicate themselves to artistic expression and the freedom for individuals to create and experiment with art in their lives. This deals with issues of authorship in that artists are sharing methods and mediums and constantly reproducing and remixing the works of others. In this way any one can be an artist and have ownership of what they create. However, the ideal is to have a world where the credit is nothing more than appreciation and the end results as well as the ability to recreate art are accessible to all.
Possibly the most critical element to these two groups is the freedom of creative expression. Is there a significant difference between graffiti and advertising? Both groups have had members imprisoned for their creative acts because they fall into the category of 'illegal graffiti'. What is it that gives value to advertising that is allowed to wallpaper entire city blocks that is not inherent in a single wall showcasing creative expression using paint and light? I feel the answer to this is highly tied into money. Many property owners want to be able to decide before hand what they allow to be posted on their premises; graffiti, however, does not allow for this.
The essential point is that art should be free. Any person should be able to recreate or remix anything they want for means of their own expression. As described above this meets much resistance when faced with issues of ownership. However, many artists have openly and actively created their art from the influences and beginnings of other artists. The Free Art & Techology group openly state that all their work is public domain and is free for all to "enjoy, use, modify, snipe about and republish."
The websites that I will primarily be using are the Graffiti Research Lab homepage (http://graffitiresearchlab.com/) and the Free Art & Technology homepage (http://fffff.at/). Some related sites are the eyebeam research site (http://eyebeam.org/research/research-groups) and the project compliation site of Evan Roth, a movement founder (http://evan-roth.com/).
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Sounds like an good topic. It will be interesting to see the business side of it - who is getting paid and who is doing it solely for the appreciation of the craft.
ReplyDeleteHi Jessica! Wow, what a great topic. Very original. I think you bring up a great point that monetary issues is likely the reason that graffiti artists are the ones getting in trouble and are unable to express their creative juices because they are not paying to do so like corporate advertisers for example. I am interested to see what you come up with.
ReplyDeleteI think your topic is really interesting, and is insightful when thinking about a different type of 'author'. An author in terms of your project is someone who has the freedom to express their creativity by any means. I think this can definitely carry over into ownership and individuality. By questioning the money aspect and comparing graffiti to advertising brings up a really good point. It can be compared even to how money could be the line between what is considered plagiarism in multimedia writing and what's not.
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