Latest news with #originality
Times
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Times
Damien Hirst and plagiarism: ‘All my ideas are stolen anyway'
The Shorter Oxford English Dictionary defines the verb to plagiarise as follows: '1 v.t. Take and use as one's own (the thoughts, writings, inventions, etc., of another person); copy (literary work, ideas, etc.) improperly or without acknowledgement; pass off the thoughts, work, etc., of (another person) as one's own. 2 v.i. Practise or commit plagiarism.' Damien Hirst, who has been accused, not for the first time, of pinching the idea for his best work, A Thousand Years (1990) — the one with the cow's head, the maggots and the insect-o-cutor in a vitrine — from his Goldsmiths contemporary Hamad Butt, is probably used to it by now. Indeed, in 2018 he stated in a filmed interview with fellow artist Peter Blake, 'All my ideas are stolen anyway,' claiming that he was told by his tutor Michael Craig-Martin, 'Don't borrow ideas, steal them' (possibly Craig-Martin had Picasso's famous adage in mind: 'Good artists copy, great artists steal'). That, Hirst said, was when he realised 'you don't have to be original' — and Blake agreed. 'Nothing is original — it's what you do with it.' Still, Butt's Transmission, which is about to go on show at the Whitechapel Gallery in London as part of Apprehensions, the first big survey exhibition of his work, does indeed have remarkable similarities in its ideas and execution to Hirst's work. Shown at Butt's degree show, also in 1990, but developed earlier in prototype in his studio (and seen there, claimed Butt, by Hirst, who overlapped with him at Goldsmiths for two years), it was a multipart work, one element of which was Fly-Piece, a cabinet containing sugar-soaked paper inscribed with enigmatic statements, and fly pupae, which hatched, digested the paper and then died. • Damien Hirst at 60: My plan to make art for 200 years after I die It doesn't take a genius to see why Butt, who died of Aids-related complications in 1994 aged 32, felt Hirst had appropriated his work, and the critic Jean Fisher, who taught both artists, referred to Butt's 'clear influence on Hirst'. The Times approached Hirst for comment. But this is just one of many times Hirst has been accused of plagiarism, which in art is notoriously difficult to prove. In 2010 Charles Thomson, founder of the stuckists, collated a list of 15 examples for Jackdaw Magazine. Some were supported by the artists in question, such as the Los Angeles artist Lori Precious, who said she went into 'a state of shock' after seeing Hirst's butterfly works and noting their resemblance to her mandala works made of butterflies. (Hirst has never publicly acknowledged Precious's remarks, which were not made through legal representation, and told Blake that he got the idea from Victorian tea trays.) Some were Thomson's assertion, such as the similarity between Hirst's early medicine cabinet works and Joseph Cornell's 1943 sculpture Pharmacy. Hirst's press officer at the time described the article as 'poor journalism' and said they would be issuing a 'comprehensive rebuttal'. If this exists, I can't find it. John LeKay, once a good friend of Hirst's, has claimed the artist has repurposed a number of his ideas, including skulls covered in crystals, which LeKay first experimented with in 1993, and has intimated that Hirst's In the Name of the Father, 2005, which featured the corpse of a sheep splayed to resemble a crucifixion pose, was probably inspired by his own 1987 work This Is My Body, This Is My Blood, which does the same thing but without preserving it in formaldehyde. • 25 moments that made Tate Modern — seeds, spiders and sharks LeKay also claimed that Hirst got the ideas for his pickled animal works from a catalogue LeKay lent him, for the Carolina Biological Supply Company, which sold science education products (which is a perfectly reasonable and valid place to get ideas — they don't usually just come out of thin air). Hirst declined to comment on the claims. He did agree, in 2000, to pay an undisclosed sum, out of court, to two children's charities when Humbrol took umbrage at his large-scale bronze sculpture Hymn, describing it as a direct copy of the company's Young Scientist Anatomy Set, designed by Norman Emms (apparently Hirst's young son had one). Mostly, though, claims have gone unanswered. In 2017 Jason deCaires Taylor claimed there were 'striking similarities' between his underwater sculptural installations, which he has been making since 2006, and the works that made up Hirst's Treasures from the Wreck of the Unbelievable, exhibited at that year's Venice Biennale. Hirst denied that he had breached copyright and a spokeswoman said he had been interested in 'coralised' objects since the 1990s. In 2022 he exhibited a suite of paintings of cherry blossom at the Fondation Cartier in Paris, which depicted dark branches against a pale blue sky, with petals made of dots. The English artist and writer Joe Machine told a newspaper that he thought when he saw them that he was looking at his own earlier paintings. (A stretch, to be honest. Stylistically they're not particularly similar and it's not as if artists haven't been painting cherry blossoms for centuries. To me, they just look like Hirst has rather savvily combined his dot motif with a tried-and-tested subject matter to appeal to the large east Asian market.) • Read more art reviews, guides and interviews The fact is you cannot copyright an idea. It's true that Thomas Downing was doing spot paintings in the Sixties. So did John Armeleder in the Eighties. Part of the fury around Hirst's alleged appropriation of ideas is that he's made so much more money out of them than anyone else — his success has created its own market, regardless of the quality of the work, which is variable to say the least. I doubt this latest, repeated accusation will make the slightest difference to Hirst's reputation. People know what they're getting with him, and Butt's Transmission, which the Whitechapel will show with the insect component remade for the first time since his degree show (Butt reportedly destroyed Fly-Piece after Hirst's work was shown) is likely to remain a frustrating footnote in art history. And as Dominic Johnson, curator of the exhibition, carefully remarks in the catalogue: 'It's always interesting to consider how and where artists get ideas from especially when working in shared spaces or contexts (as was the case for so many of the YBAs and their peers), as there is inevitably always going to be a degree of cross-pollination — conscious or unconscious.' Still, Picasso's pithy soundbite doesn't mean that stealing makes you a great artist. Mediocre artists steal too. And maybe the suggestion that A Thousand Years, in my opinion Hirst's finest work (he made it aged 25; he's 60 now and nothing he's done since has been as good, not even the shark), was heavily reliant on someone else's idea might, on darker nights, give Hirst a moment's pause.
UAE Moments
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- UAE Moments
♒ Aquarius Daily Horoscope for July 12, 2025
Today, you're unpredictable in the best way and your originality is basically a superpower. Aquarius, July 12 is sparking up your inner genius and giving your social side a refresh. The universe is nudging you to break the routine, flip the script, and casually surprise everyone (including yourself). Expect lightbulb moments, unexpected messages, and maybe a mini epiphany about your next move. 🔮 Ideas Incoming, Disruption Inevitable You're thinking at warp speed today and it shows. Your offbeat thoughts? Totally on-point. Don't over-edit your ideas right now. What seems 'too weird' at first glance might be the exact thing that stands out. Innovation isn't just a mood, it's your method. Aquarius Tip: Say the bold idea out loud. It might spark the change everyone else is waiting for. 💼 Career & Money: Visionary, Not Just Efficient You're not clocking in for mediocrity. Today's energy helps you challenge outdated processes, pitch something daring, or go rogue (strategically). You're seeing around corners and asking better questions and that's what sets you apart. Your 'what if we tried this?' is lowkey a leadership move. 💖 Love & Friendship: Oddly Perfect Moments You're not doing romance by the book and that's what makes it magical. Singles may find themselves deep in quirky banter that accidentally becomes a vibe. Partnered Aquarians? Try something new together, even if it's as small as switching up the playlist or taking a late-night walk. Flirt cue: 'Let's make today weirdly memorable. Your ideas or mine?' 🧘♀️ Mood & Vibe: Eccentric, Electric, Deeply Aligned You feel both out-of-body and laser-focused. That's very Aquarius of you. Use that spacey-yet-sharp mental energy to journal, create, or zone into something niche. The world needs your perspective, it's what keeps things interesting. Lucky Color: Icy Mint Lucky Numbers: 8 & 27 Cosmic Playlist Song: 'Ribs' – Lorde Affirmation of the Day: 'I honor my uniqueness, speak my truth, and let inspiration strike on its own terms.' 💭 Aquarius Thought for July 12: Being misunderstood just means you're ahead of your time. Keep going, revolutions start this way.
UAE Moments
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- UAE Moments
♒ Aquarius Daily Horoscope for July 8, 2025
Your originality isn't just showing, it's stealing the spotlight. Aquarius, July 8 hands you the mic, and the mood, to express the wild ideas everyone else is just beginning to imagine. With the moon and Uranus syncing up, you're electric in the best way. Expect breakthroughs, 'aha' moments, and random magic that only you could've seen coming. Spoiler: the weird idea? It works 🧠 Big Brain Energy: Fully Activated You're sharp, snappy, and slightly rebellious (in the best way). Whether you're inventing something, questioning everything, or connecting dots no one else can even see, your insight is the plot twist the day needs. Aquarius Tip: Keep a note open. Lightning doesn't strike twice but your mind might. 💼 Career & Money: Pitch It Weird, Land It Big Today is perfect for rolling out a concept that sounds 'too out there," until it clicks. You've got the creativity and the confidence to carry your vision. Just make sure you follow through after everyone goes, 'Wait… that's actually brilliant.' Today's vibe: Unconventional = unstoppable. 💖 Love & Friendship: Spark Meets Synchronicity Romantic sparks come from unexpected places (or people). If you're single, don't be surprised if an offbeat conversation turns into something really interesting. Coupled up? Do something totally different together, think stargazing, tech-free dinner, or DIY dreams. Flirt cue: 'What's the weirdest connection we have… that totally works?' 🧘♀️ Mood & Vibe: Floating but Focused You're in that sweet spot between 'let's disrupt everything' and 'let's nap through the chaos.' Channel your energy into something that excites your soul and stretches your mind. You don't need a crowd, you need a whiteboard, a playlist, and maybe a little solitude. Lucky Color: Cobalt Blue Lucky Numbers: 10 & 27 Cosmic Playlist Song: 'Midnight City' – M83 Affirmation of the Day: 'I lead with vision, trust my flow, and turn odd ideas into obvious brilliance.' 💭 Aquarius Thought for July 8: The moment you stop trying to make sense... You make something genius.
New York Times
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Times
V.E. Schwab's Desert Island Book Is ‘The Count of Monte Cristo'
In an email interview, the author of the triple-timeline lesbian vampire novel our critic called 'sumptuous' challenged the notion that 'storytelling is a zero-sum game.' SCOTT HELLER How have your reading tastes changed over time? I've gotten both harder to please, and much more evangelical about anything that delights and surprises me. I've also reached the point where I'm far more interested in a story that takes swings and misses than one that doesn't try. Give me weird. Give me ambitious. Give me original. What's the last great book you read? You can't possibly expect me to pick one. 'James,' by Percival Everett. 'Jade City,' by Fonda Lee. 'Rejection,' by Tony Tulathimutte. What's your go-to classic? 'The Count of Monte Cristo,' by Dumas. It's my desert island book, not only because it's a tome, but because no matter how many times I revisit it, I find new lines to appreciate, new narrative corners to explore. Did attending an all-girls high school shape your sensibility as a writer? It might not have shaped my storytelling, but it shaped my belief that I could only be limited by my own ambition. Not that anything would be easy, but that no external voice would ever be as loud as my internal one. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
News24
17-06-2025
- Business
- News24
Basics of copyright: How to protect your intellectual property
Your work is protected from the moment it is created. Work that is original qualifies for copyright protection. South African law only protects expressions of ideas and concepts, not the concepts or ideas alone. ___________________________________________________________________ Understanding copyright rules isn't just about avoiding legal pitfalls – it's about protecting your creative work and leveraging it for business. We break down the essential copyright knowledge every budding entrepreneur needs. In South Africa, copyright is governed by the Copyright Act 98 of 1978, which protects original creative works. Unlike patents and trademarks that require registration with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC), copyright protection is automatic in South Africa. 'Many entrepreneurs mistakenly believe they need to register their creative works to secure copyright protection in South Africa,' explains intellectual property attorney Janine Shultz. 'In reality, your work is protected from the moment it's created and fixed in a tangible form, provided it meets the originality requirement.' For a work to qualify for copyright protection in South Africa, it must be original (created through your own skill and effort, exist in material form (written, recorded, filmed, etc.) and be created by a South African citizen or resident or first published in South Africa. What can be protected under South African copyright law? South African copyright law specifically protects literary works (books, articles, website content, business plans); artistic works (paintings, photographs, logos, drawings); musical works (compositions, jingles); cinematograph films (videos, advertisements); sound recordings (podcasts, audio content); broadcasts and programme-carrying signals, and computer programs and software. 'Entrepreneurs often overlook the breadth of copyright protection,' notes digital rights specialist Mandla Zulu. 'Your business blog, customer testimonials, product descriptions, and even your unique course materials are all automatically protected by copyright.' What cannot be copyrighted? Similar to international standards, South African copyright law does not protect ideas and concepts (only their expression); information, facts, or data; methods or procedures; and names, titles or slogans (these may be eligible for trademark protection). Protecting your copyright 1. Practical protection steps Implement these strategies to safeguard your creative works: Mark all materials with a copyright notice: © 2024 [your company name]; all rights reserved; maintain documentation showing the development process and creation date; include copyright clauses in all contracts with employees and contractors; consider registering cinematograph films with the CIPC; implement digital protection measures for online content. 2. Monitoring for infringement Regularly check for unauthorised use of your materials in the South African market. Set up Google alerts for unique text content; conduct periodic online searches for your company name and products; monitor social media platforms popular in South Africa; and consider joining industry associations that track infringements. READ MORE | Activist Zulaikha Patel shares her journey of writing Brave Like Me 3. Enforcing your rights When you discover copyright infringement in South Africa, you have several options: Send a cease and desist letter: Often effective for stopping infringement. Consider alternative dispute resolution: Mediation can be less costly than litigation. Pursue civil action: Seek damages, an interdict (injunction) and delivery of infringing copies. Criminal proceedings: In cases of commercial infringement, criminal charges are possible. Using other's copyrighted work To legally use copyrighted material in South Africa: For entrepreneurs, understanding copyright is not merely a legal obligation but a business strategy. By protecting your creative assets through South Africa's copyright framework, you build a stronger foundation for your business while respecting the rights of others.
