In class we learned that parody uses humour and satire to construct a new image or idea by retaining or using elements of a pre-existing cultural artifact.

I think that General Ideas Shut the Fuck Up is a great example of parody:

http://videoart.virtualmuseum.ca/artist.php?id=11&section=clip

The clip on the right is the example that I will be speaking of in this blog entry. In this clip, General Idea uses elements directly related to Yves Klein’s Anthropométries de l’Epoque bleue (Anthropometries of the Blue Period) in Klein’s original piece, the Monotone Symphony was performed while Klein had three nude models cover themselves in blue paint and affix their body prints on the white papers, laid out on the gallery walls and floor.

After ‘setting the stage’ with what has been constructed to appear as a news report of Klein’s work, General Idea’s response to this work uses symphonic background music, the copywrited ‘International Klein Blue’ and large white canvasses to generate a critique of the legitimacy of hype surrounding the arts.

I think that this example serves as an illustration of the distinction between appropriation and stealing that we discussed in our last class: the humour of General Ideas work is directly dependant on the audience’s knowledge of Klein’s work and the propaganda surrounding it.

As with much appropriation; if you are unaware of the elements that have been appropriated and their independent history the joke doesn’t make sense. General Idea’s use of Klein’s work is not intended to result in their being given credit for the monotone pieces. Conversely, they perhaps are looking for the recognition of Not being the artist who came up with the idea .

Jennifer