re: #381 SixDegrees

Right…small problem with this theory.

When Dave Brubeck covers “Take the A Train”, the song is listed on the record “words and lyrics by B. STRAYHORN”. If Dave Brubeck were to write, let’s say, Take the B Train, and it has the same exact chords, lyrics, and melody, as take the A Train, then guess what? Hey Presto! Its Plagiarism!

Now, there is influence and quotation, like, Monet and Manet reinventing still life’s inspired by many of the great artists. Or perhaps the example of Picasso’s nudes going back to Rubens and Botticelli, but this is a BIG difference from basically copying verbatim the work of Monet and calling it your own. Yes, that is legally defined as plagiarism.

Now, does this matter in this case? Probably not, and I’ll hold out the benefit of the doubt that this was simply and act of ignorance on the part of the Obamas. Still, the art is certainly not original, and does simply copy the work of Henri Matisse. Granted, not an exceptional work, but one would be hard pressed to not call the work of Alma Thomas a pale copy of the collage of Matisse.

Besides, there are better ways to do collage. One of my favorites is by David Hockney. Image: hockney_pearblossom.jpg

Does it matter? There are far more important things to criticize “The One” about. However, I would say that there are a bunch of pretty poor artists receiving grant money and exposure, not due to talent, but PC nonsense. I think Iowahawk has done a great job slamming that better than I ever could recently. iowahawk.typepad.com