New Movement or Blatant Rip Off? Can it be both?

When does a style become a full-fledged artistic movement? And does it have to take place in France? Both excellent questions. One thing is clear, however: a line must be drawn (literally) between art that earnestly represents the most fundamental ideals of the movement and “art” that merely mimics a style in hopes of cashing in. Witness the similarities in St. Louis artist, O’s new work (at top) and a still image from a San Diego artist’s multimedia effort reviewed less than a month ago in this very space. Are we witnessing the birth of a new genre? Or is O simply a marginally talented plagiarist? We went directly to the source. A telling excerpt from our interview with O is below:

WMKAS: Are you working with the San Diego artist?
O: Hello.
WMKAS: Is this a coordinated effort or mere happenstance?
O: (silence)
WMKAS: Sir, I should think you—
O: Poop! (hysterical laughing)

Exposed!