Post #4315 by hanford_lemoore on Thu, Jul 25, 2002 1:25 AM

On 2002-07-24 21:36, tikifish wrote:
In the case of Shag, taking elements or even blatantly copying off old posters is an 'homage'. One hopes that the reason we 'get' it, is cause we recognise it's kitsch.

Well, the kitsch factor applies to all of his paintings, not just the homages.

If we didn't recognise it as something we had seen before, say... from our parents record collection, or from a late night movie, we would remain un-moved.

I'm not quite sure if you're saying that a Shag painting has to be reconized as a copy (or an homage) of something older to be effective. But if you are saying that, than I disagree. I think all of Shag's paintings are great, and as far I know the vast majority are completely original compositions.

And as far as the Coolest Ghouls goes, my guess is Shag borrowed the design not just for the kitch factor, but becuase he admires the design, the artist, and what it stands for (pop) culturaly.

This is what Ebay boy is doing. Is he good at it? I'd say no. But was Shag always good at it? Of course not. But that's par for the course with most artists.

From the poor imitation look of it, I'd say Ebay boy is doing exactly what Shag probably did and what so many other artists did when they were starting out. They copy, sometimes uncreatively, other art they admire.

As ebay boy gets older he'll get better, develop his own style... and who knows, perhaps we'll be buying his art some day.

~Hanford