The article “Ecstasy of Influence” by Jonathan Lethem questions the seemingly inappropriate cycle of artistic recycling by investigating the fine line between ‘plagiarism’ and ‘inspiration’. He questions whether the references to previous pieces of work is purposeful or just the nature of artistic creation that proves to be inevitable. He weaves through a myriad of examples such as blues and jazz musicians who amongst them “have a kind of ‘open source’ culture [enabling] them to [freely rework larger musical frameworks and pre-existing melodic fragments]”, and the ability to rework and replicate previous work has been amplified with the introduction of technology. Technology brings us the ability to literally “duplicate sounds rather than simply approximate them.”
Where really is the fine line drawn between inspiration and plagiarism? Can all forms of art continue to survive without drawing elements from previously created works? Roger Meyers Jr., the cartoon producer of The Simpsons claims that if “[they] take away our right to steal ideas, where are they going to come from?” Lenthem argues that inspiration really comes not from “emptying and purifying oneself of the words of others but adopting and embracing…” which pushes the notion that it’s difficult for artwork to exist without utilising the influence of others. Lenthem uncovers the beauty of recycling art and the importance of artistic freedom in today’s society.