Revised Proposal

Technology has impacted every corner of our lives today and it goes far beyond the internet. Today artists have the ability to manipulate light and movement as much as paint and paper. 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 constantly reproducing and remixing the works of others as well as sharing their methods and mediums. In this way any one can be an artist and have ownership of what they create. However, the ideal of the artists involved in these groups is to have a world where artistic credit is nothing more than appreciation and the end results as well as the ability to recreate art are accessible to all.

The most critical issue facing 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 not inherent in a single wall showcasing creative expression using paint and light?

What does ownership or authorship of art really mean? Some artists see the reproduction or remixing of their work as theft while others see it as creative expression. The Free Art & Technology group openly state that all their work is public domain and is free for all to "enjoy, use, modify, snipe about and republish." If this is the case then what does it really mean to be an artist? Can anyone be an artist?

I intend to explore the concept of ownership and authorship in terms of the artistic movement groups and societal views as related to modern forms of graffiti. I endeavor to find how art gains value and what impact modern technology has had on such value.

Bibliography:

“F.A.T. Free Art & Technology.” F.A.T. Free Art & Technology. http://fffff.at/. 9/14/09.

Holopainen, Shannon. “Six Theses On The TAG.” Art Crimes – The Writing on the Wall – graffiti art worldwide. http://www.graffiti.org/faq/holopainen.html. 9/14/09.

Hung, Wu. “Zhang Dali's Dialogue:
Conversation with a City.” Project MUSE. http://muse.jhu.edu.www.libproxy.wvu.edu/journals/public_culture/v012/12.3wu_hung.ht. 9/14/09.

Juarez, Geraldine. “kopyfamo’: free copyright for the masses.” F.A.T. Free Art & Technology. http://fffff.at/kopyfamo-free-copyright/. 9/14/09.

Powderly, James and Evan Roth. “Graffiti Research Lab.” Graffiti Research Lab. http://graffitiresearchlab.com/. 9/14/09.

Werwath, Timothy. “The Culture and Politics of Graffiti Art.” Art Crimes – The Writing on the Wall – graffiti art worldwide. http://www.graffiti.org/faq/werwath/werwath.html. 9/14/09.