Derivative

Derivative is an ongoing series of digital collages.
Each piece repurposes historical works of art to give them a new meaning.

Technically speaking, a derivative work is something that contains major elements from a previous work made by a different artist. However, this new work is seen as independent from the first. The elements taken from the original have been significantly modified or transformed. But in order to link the works together, the artist intentionally makes the appropriated elements stay recognizable. The result is both an original and a copy.

Since the term “derivative” is often used as a criticism, I saw the challenge to take the concept and turn it around into something positive. By jokingly using it as the title of my series, I openly call to attention the fact that these collages are made up almost entirely of existing works of art. 

With this series I wanted to delve into history and study the concerns and influences of artists in the past. I wanted to understand what they were trying to achieve with their work. By combining pieces from (sometimes drastically) different eras, I am able to use these ideas to tell new, contemporary stories.