Can two things be too similar?  In the art world isn't everything about interpretation?  I know that there is nothing new in the world, but if someone is known for a particular type of work, especially in your geographic location wouldn't you want to stay away from imitating the work...even if you think you're putting your own spin on it?

It's a challenging question, but one I believe is important for each artist to answer.  I was concerned when I attended CORE Gallery last week because one of the featured artists might have taken the road that would put her in the category of "copycat".  Sarah Haney has an exhibit of black and white photographs involving Barbie and Ken.  The dolls are in many different situations, but each picture made me flash back to Jimmy Sellars use of GI Joe. 

I understand that the two aren't the same category..one is pop culture and one involves a political commentary.  My concern for the artist is how many people walked in and said...Gee, just like Jimmy Sellars.  Now I don't know who came first the Haney or the Sellars, but I do know who is more prominent in the art world and whose name most people can identify with this genre of art.

My concern is that how many will follow in these footsteps.  When I looked at the Target ad this week I saw a new line of dolls of the characters from High School Musical 2.  Is that the next set of photographs to be taken by another artist?  I guess what I'm wondering is as an artist can you afford to be compared to anyone else so directly or does it help by having blazed a trail that seems to have been accepted.  I believe the jury is still out.

Am I seeing double...
Greg

coaching artists to success