Open to Interpretation

I love the idea of open content and think of it as an equalizing tool. I think it would benefit the majority of people to have access to content, but to be clear, in a digital sense, access is still quite limited anyway. To own a computer is a privilege, so the 'playing field' is already askew. In many ways, allowing anyone to access files, creative work, software and the like is challenging the necessity of capitalism. For hundreds of years, people have been protecting their work with ownership claims. It was written into the constitution;

"the Congress shall have power … to promote the progress of science and useful arts, by securing for limited times to authors and inventors the exclusive right to their respective writings and discoveries."

This concept about two hundred years ago was a novel and cutting edge idea of fairness and a catalyst for the environment in which we can now ask such questions about the idea itself. Though it was historically beneficial, I feel the idea needs to revisited in contemporary context.

I am not sure that it is 'necessary' to have open content, but it seems natural. In contrast with an era where every person was fighting for survival and worried about getting through the winter, the collective American quality of life has improved drastically. Maslow's hierarchy of need comes to mind. In this way, it seems natural that because of our progression in science, technology and accessibility, we might have some spare time on our hands to challenge a capitalist system that seems to be functioning too smoothly without organized critical thinking. By giving equal access to content, I believe it will, over time, allow for the most innovative thinkers to surface from an overcrowded room of apathy.

The idea of copyright is becoming more obsolete in a digital environment. The advantages of open communication and collaboration in enhancing the flow of ideas and breaking of conventional boundaries far outweigh the need to restrict access to digital content. In addition, realizing the increasing difficulty in creating durable protection for their creations, copyright holders are moving towards open availability of media on the internet. Those most concerned now with copyright law mostly include corporations, record label companies and those who are seeing monetary losses.

The balance in protecting one's creative products is currently protected or can be protected in a digital environment by taking measures to be sure the content is secure. Using watermarks, low res images on websites, flash, and copyright disclosures are common. I particularly resonate with the idea of 'Copyleft'. The idea of re-appropriating material that is openly used and then in turn agreeing to post the outcome for open use seems like a great concept. My work is often riddled with found images in combination with my own photography to compose altered time, often mixing contemporary and classic imagery. I hadn't previously thought of posting my work, but it seems like a good way to keep the system open. I am considering putting my images online as a download with layered psd files to complete the cycle of giving and taking. I suppose this is a really idealistic situation that everyone would responsibly participate in such activities.

Land of Milk and Honey, A. Thielke 2009

As an artist, I feel that allowing remixes to consist of previously composed material or found sounds and images is not unlike creating found object sculpture. Many components were already in existence with a separate use and context, but together in relation to each other, they are making a very different statement or evoking new association. Using found material questions the idea of ownership and chips away at entitlement and ego.

Culture Vulture 8, Deborah Rockman

I am easily drawn to the work of Deborah Rockman, a Professor of Drawing at Kendall College of Art + Design who I had the privilege to work with for a short time. Her series of work titled, Culture Vulture serves as a criticism of contemporary American cultural norms. The way she juxtaposed imagery by means of mixing her own work with found images and images that are very well known historically seems to be a successful example of remixing. In her artists statement she writes:

"Juxtaposed and woven together is the slaughter of innocent civilians with the season’s newest fashion trends; the exploitation of laborers in underdeveloped countries with the stock market’s gains and losses; the lack of accessible drugs for treating the Aids epidemic with testimonials for Viagra; the starvation of displaced refugees with fast food endorsements."