Attribution - An Ongoing Challenge

Banksy art in Brick Lane, East End, 2004“Attribution” refers to the assignment of a work of art to a particular artist and/or period. The process of attribution presents numerous challenges. Many of the great masters didn’t sign their works. In such cases, art historians rely on documents such as contracts or correspondence to confirm authorship. When no written support exists, a work may be attributed to an artist based on stylistic similarities with other works. But such methods are not always reliable--particularly when considering that many talented imitators and--worst case--forgerers have been active, throughout time. The development of more sophisticated technologies has helped art historian to more accurately attribute and date works of art. However, the problem of attribution continues to exist--and has now even found its way to street art--which is often unsigned, due to its illegality. One of the most famous street artists works under the pseudonym of Bansky. Based in England--Bansky’s work is known worldwide for its satire, dark humor, political bite and distinctive syle. But now Bansky’s murals are turning out out “to be an attribution mindfield.” Read a fascinating article by Anny Shaw to find out why.

Carlos Zuniga Creates Art on Phone Book Pages

(click photo for larger image)"Chilean artist Carlos Zuniga creates detailed portraits and images by simply striking out names from phone book pages, with black ink. Sounds simple enough, but the results are awe-inspiring."

Click here to continue reading and to see more examples of Mr. Zuniga's work....

Matchbook Canvases

Krista Charles, “Out of Business” (click photo for larger image)“Though various simple technologies have made them somewhat obsolete, matchbooks are still very much a part of life, and our interactions with them are strangely intimate...” through the efforts of artist  Krista Charles. Art can reasonably be defined as a genuine work of the imagination--and this is a fascinating articulation of that definition. Have a look at these wonderful “canvases” AND the images that inspired them!

Inspiration for “Out of Business”

Art is Interdisciplinary

“Art inspires art, often crossing boundary lines in magnificent cross-disciplinary manifestations.”

In February of 2010, Paris-based designer and illustrator Stephen Crowe set out to both read and illustrate James Joyce’s “Finnegans Wake” (NOT an easy read)! Check out this article to view a few fascinating projects that demonstrate how the humanities come together.

Classic Works of Art Made with Jelly Beans

Kristen Cumings, "Girl With a Pearl Earring", Jelly Belly Candy Company Corporate Collection (click photo for larger image)

"A few years ago, Jelly Belly officially hired painter and illustrator Kristen Cumings to produce several works of art to add to their collection entitled Jelly Belly Masterpieces of Confectionary Art. The California-based painter takes about 50-60 hours to complete the life-size paintings made of approximately 9,000 to 12,000 jelly beans each. The enormous 4 x 6 feet murals each depict a classic work of art, from Vincent can Gogh's The Starry Night to Johannes Vermeer's Girl with a Pearl Earring."

Click here to see more of Kristen Cumings' work...

(via Neatorama)