I hope everyone was able to make it out to Artropolis at the Merchandise Mart this weekend! So. Much. Cool. Stuff! While I was wandering the gigantic halls of Art Chicago & Next, I couldn't help from getting giddy with excitement. I think events like this are so great for our personal development as designers primarily because it allows us to see what our contemporaries are working on and the directions the art world may be going.This got me thinking about a quote from one of my favorite designers, Frank Chimero (see yellow photo). I think this point of view is valid and quite funny, but also troubles me in regards to where our inspiration comes from as designers. At what point does emulation become plagarism? Particularly in an industry where the waters are already murky. Now, by no means am I indicating that it is wrong to use inspiration from others to develop your work. Instead, I argue that in order to receive due credit, one must insert their own creativity into the equation. Otherwise, the design community becomes a bunch or robots, ripping off one another and not pushing the envelope.
I guess what I'm really trying to say is: go forth and make stuff! Just be aware where your inspiration is coming from, and never naively take credit for someone else's ideas.
Unfortunately I was not able to make it to Artropolis and I wish I could of gone! The photos I did see of people who went looked very cool! I agree with you about using inspiration from others for your own work just don't ever take credit for someone else's ideas.
ReplyDeleteThe Artropolis was amazing! And HUGE! I didn't think it would be that big, it really was like a city of art. The first poster is funny (the yellow one), especially because that is exactly how I feel when I see a design I like.
ReplyDeleteI really wish I would've been able to make it, like Jene said I've seen pictures and it looks really inspiring. Maybe next year.
ReplyDeleteI think I've posted this in some other comments but I really do like that first poster too and it reminds me of the "modern art = I could do that + Yeah, but you didn't" quote.
I was not able to go to Artropolis, but by the look of photos and the stories I heard about the work, it seemed like an amazing experience.
ReplyDeleteAs stated earlier, in Katie's post, its all about our actions. The idea of inspiration and the process is extremely subjective. We all have ideas and thoughts but its the process of actually acting on our ideas that really counts in the long run.
ReplyDeleteI did print out my tickets for Artropolis but my work schedule made it impossible for me to attend...major bummer : (
I went! It was pretty awesome. I have been three years in a row. I loved it but I'm not gonna lie the past two Artropoli in my opinion were better. Nonetheless, I got a bunch of inspiration, snapped a few photos, and picked up a bunch of flyers that they have everywhere. Its a great way of learning about whats in the art scene right now and if you go every year it is interesting to see how the scene changes.
ReplyDeleteI heard mixed reviews about it, but I wish I could have gone. I didn't realize they had any designer focus there! With all the emphasis on antiques and performance I figured it would be much more fine arts and some trippy installations for good measure.
ReplyDeleteI went for a little bit on Friday, but had to hightail it 'cause I was showing an out-of-town friend around and we had to hit up Improvised Shakespeare up at iO Theater near Wrigley (which, by the way, is so worth the $16 ticket price). I wanted to go back at some point, but I got hit with major allergies over the weekend and I didn't think the exhibitors would appreciate me sneezing all over their hard work. From what I saw, though, there was some absolutely amazing things there. One of the last things I saw before I had to go was this kind of encyclopedic deck of cards featuring historical information about a world that never existed, which I loved. I actually sat down and read each and every card, which also featured some "graffiti" from people who had taken the cards from their original (fictional) owner. I wish I could've hit up the antiques show!
ReplyDeleteThat is an awesome quote. I have always worried about the idea of taking someone else's idea without knowing your doing so. I suppose that it is important to think about but if I think to much I might clam up. Such a fine line
ReplyDeleteI didn't make it, unfortunately.
ReplyDeleteI went on Sunday and they had free mimosas so that was nice, but I do think last year was bigger and better. Hopefully next year will get back to that.
ReplyDeleteI wish I had been able to go. However, I do like that quote,pretty funny. I like the text treatments and variety even more.
ReplyDeleteI realize a lot of people who had been to Artropolis in years past seem a bit disappointed in this year's presentation. This year was a first for me (thanks to Cathleen, Steph, and John for letting my friend and I tag along!), and I must admit that I was actually quite overwhelmed. I'm always fascinated with looking at contemporary works. I always try to deconstruct the time period the artist is referencing, and how he or she is re-appropriating it in a modern context. While walking through each exhibit and noticing all of the diverse artworks/languages, it gives me a lot of hope in the direction art is heading towards.
ReplyDeletei've never been to this show before, but since everyone keeps talking about it, i guess i'll check it out in the future.
ReplyDeleteDitto to what Aaron said. I am kind of sad that I didn't know that such a thing excited. Good thing there is always next year.
ReplyDeleteI wish I got to see this too! Inspiration is sometimes necessary but ripping off someone else's work is like cheating on something that has no right answers. Why bother?
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