Revisits The History Of Art

The purpose of this paper is to discuss and analysis the parody phenomenon of contemporary images of classic paintings in Western Art History under the background of Postmodernism and by using examples and theories to explain that imitation is not a modern art patent but has been develop since the past as now a tradition.By studying the imitation works of Japanese photographic artist Hisaji Hara, US photographic artist Cindy Sherman and Canadian photographic artist Jeff Wall, this article concludes the reasons and meanings of this phenomenon.In the first part, the overview of the history of Western painting imitation phenomenon is given as a background, also links to the imitation phenomenon in the history of photography to discuss the connection and relationship of these two phenomenons.In the second part, author breaks the imitation of paintings by photo into three category by the differences of its’ implications and meanings.1) using to pay tribute to the works of Western classical;2) using commercialized propaganda tool;3) using to against the traditional and domination.The last part is to interpret the strategic significances of imitation art work creation from different levels like1)Feminism and Foucault’s post-modern art theory;2) Identity politics combined with the of the self-portrait,3) Staged photography,4) Dressed up self-shooting, and other, which including discussion and comparison for each section.Under the above structure of research, this paper find the post-modern photographic artists imitate classic painting by photography has shaken the traditional power of Western art history, and also reveal their respective intentions for new understanding and revolt.