Artists are making web sites that look like they belong to airports, supermarkets, newspapers, established cultural institutions, the World Trade Center.

A discussion of subversive appropriation in early online art

This study examines the emergence and development of appropriation in twentieth century art practice, particularly how and why it is being used by artists working with the Internet for subversive purposes. This paper starts with an art historical genealogy of individuals and groups using appropriation in art. The process of investigation includes two important case studies: ®™ark's gatt.org project and Mongrel's Tate Gallery project. Other recent groups discussed include the Gala Committee and Irational Organisation. Artists working with appropriation in the1980s will be considered by way of contrast. Recent political activity and the Internet context will also be covered. Alongside some critical art theories, discussion will also cover selected recent political philosophy and touch on postmodern critiques of originality and the author.