Sinanation

A very interesting article in New York Times titled “The Image is familiar; the pitch isn’t” caught my attention today. The article is about the artists’ accusing advertisement agencies and global brands for stealing the ideas behind their original artworks. The difficulty of protecting the whole creation behind art is revealed in the argument. The conclusion, which in my opinion is the best section, touched a very important point. None of us actually steal anymore. We borrow to make the previous better and let the future generation take on from there.

A professor at Purchase College revealed “Culture is about ongoing borrowing. It is about taking images, ideas and motifs and opening them up to new users.” I completely agree with this argument. With all the technology that surrounds our lives today we have entered into an era of mass absorption and consumption. We came to a point where we can no longer accuse anyone for stealing, borrowing or misusing an idea (especially the idea behind an artwork) unless that person confesses the crime.

If the artist starts questioning the agency that is claimed to steal his/her idea, couldn’t the whole society accuse the artist for stealing from its unique culture? Unless the artist succeeds in creating a trademark for his/her own work and directly represents his/her point of view in an idea borrowed from the society at large, it becomes almost impossible to claim rights for something that was never owned by anyone in the first place. There is not much left, but to accept the fact that we are all borrowers of ideas. If there is no ownership there are no thieves.

I guess the only safe way for an artist to make sure he/she gets credit for everything that relates to his/her creativity is to make the work visible and easily accessible by the public on the internet and the media. Only than can we remember and acknowledge the original founder of a borrowed idea.

Going to the movies is supposed to be a pleasant activity. It should be easy and stress-free. It could even be a second or third date plan for the new couples. The warm conversation before the movies while waiting in line for popcorn…The peaceful comfort of having numbered seats waiting for you while you make a quick stop at the restroom…The 15-minute break to assure you that you can comfortably drink a gallon of water to ease the thirst fattened by your salty popcorn without holding you pee for two hours. New York movie theaters make me miss the peaceful movie nights.

As if all the stress the poor New Yorkers endure during the week is not enough, they have plan whats supposed to be a carefree viewing occasion hours ahead. Delegate responsibilities…One goes online to buy the tickets (if there are any left), one buys the popcorn, one waits in the long line with numerous extra garments to save a few seats next to him/her. Drinking is allowed only in small amounts as there is no intermission. If you are lucky you will get a good seat and if you are blessed with a sixth sense you will get a short, small-headed person in front of you. All these wishes for a single movie…I would rather stay home and watch On Demand.