Joe Kane's research on Sherrie Levine
Sherrie Levine, studied fine art at the University of Wisconsin in Madison in the late 60’s and early 70’s. She was first considered an “appropriationist�, which is someone who draws on “existing imagery from ‘high’ and ‘low’ culture� (1). This title came as a result of her views on modernism, and how its ideals were not being realized in modern society.
Aside from modernism, she focused on idealism, purity and form. Her works draw on an extremely wide range of art, and she is one of the first artists to delve into “rephotography�, which involves her recreating a shot in the same location as a past photographer, creating a “then and now� type of work.
Levine’s views on modernism and her tendency to reconstruct modernist work earned her the title of postmodernist. One of her most famous pieces is “Newborn�, a remake of a sculpture by Brancusi, a major influence of Levine’s.
Her work, for me, is reminiscent of Hubert Duprat in that much of the work is done for her. Although there is most likely just as much thought and labor involved, it doesn’t seem that way. It still has the lingering staleness of a remade film or a new cover of an old song. There’s always the sensation that the artists are minimizing the amount of effort they need to put forth. On the contrary, this form of artistic remaking is clearly a homage to the original creators and, if it’s done right, can be just – if not more – beautiful.
Bibliography:
1) The Museum of Modern Art - Website
2) Rimanelli, David; Sherrie Levine: Marian Goodman Gallery; Frieze Magazine; Issue 16, May 1994.