AND IN THE END…

This is another one of those chapters that tries to tie together loose ends and really covers a lot of ground.
Replication and deconstruction left me thinking after the following passage:
“Originality is one half of the creative equation—the other half being social validation. But in or mass-media age the very notion of originality comes under threat.”
I definitely agree that it would be easy to infer something like this happening. I also envision certain places possibly becoming “originality” vacuums. But I don’t agree that it will overshadow true originality that takes place everyday to every person.
I think the problem with this statement, is it over looks the power of original and creative products that we cast aside as truly great works, because they lack social validation. But not all art needs universal social validation; in fact many times it might just need the validation of one other person.
I piece of pottery made by a potter friend of mine displayed prominently in my house. On my refrigerator I have a drawing made by a friends three-year old daughter. In my parent’s house there are numerous painting hanging in which the artist are friends of the family and some have existed for generations.
I also have letters and poetry written to me by friends and family I treasure as much as old photographs.
In many ways I feel like these pieces of art resonate more with me then Picasso, Warhol or even Michelangelo. Expanding on this theme though, why would any person desire to go to any museum to see a work of art, if the replication is just as appealing?
I think it has more to do with the exposure to the original that conveys energy to the subject. I know in my own experiences seeing the original of anything has been infinitely more impactful then a replacement.
I know all this still revolves around originality, and how our culture might be devoid of it, but I’m not buying it. I think the notion that originality becoming extinct is a notion of a society that tries to give value to everything.
Those painting hanging on my mothers wall probably wouldn’t get 50 cents at a garage sale but our priceless to us. The letter and papers I collect are only good for recycling to another person, but are some of the most powerful written words that I’ve come in contact with.