Welcome to the 200th insertion of DEMUR®, an analytical series highlighting the intricacies of the artistic world and the minutiae lying within. In this episode, we deconstruct our perceptions of originality, questioning the legitimacy of modern-day individualism and the line between the influenced and infringing.
Authenticity in design is an idea that has been debated since the dawn of creativity. From Barbara Kruger and Supreme to Pharrell Williams and Marvin Gaye, we’ve witnessed countless accusations of thievery throughout the years. Leading many to question the line between ‘inspiration’ and simply pitched-up melodies, it seems we always circle back to the parameters of originality.
While undefined, individualism in swag and style are all core aspects of what’s deemed as “original”. One’s persona per se, can be a signature trademark in speech or flow, but is incredibly difficult to trademark as a physical trait. Much like a colour palette in painting, or a particular sound in music, unless infamous, these core aspects of artistry can be accredited or compared to others with such ease.
Igniting the fury of those who think they’ve “done it first”, like Soulja Boy, who proclaims he’s the “first rapper with an iPhone”, we’re left with an egoistic, clout-based competition. Emphasized further by the current social demand to be unique, many have lost sight of being ‘different’ instead of their true authentic self.
This phenomenon roots in a self-serving paradox in which nobody is ‘allowed’ to bite aspects of someone else’s idea, consciously or not. Plagued as a thief, many become desperate in search of an untapped niche, pillaging the oddities and outcasts of the artistic world. While many expressive nooks have been explored, in light of Virgil Abloh’s 3% rule; an existing object or idea needs to be altered by only 3% to become something new. Originality isn’t dead, insecurity in style is simply heightened, for “Imitation is the best form of flattery, if people wasn’t tryna imitate you, you doin’ something wrong” -A$AP Rocky
P.s. thank you all for sticking with me through 200 episodes <3
Comments