How Authenticity is Reflected in Art

The topic of authenticity has been circulating in the artist community for many years. It’s not because artists don’t think other artists are authentic with their art, but the concern is what makes art inauthentic? By authenticity, I don’t mean confirming authorship, I’m speaking to the genuineness in the painting. For example, the Mona Lisa has been restored many times since it was originally painted in the 16th century. One of the restoration practices has been removing the varnish, because varnish will make the painting look dim and discolored over time. Does that make the Mona Lisa still a Da Vinci piece though? Does something as small as removing varnish make a painting inauthentic? What are the conditions upon which an artist’s piece can be considered inauthentic? I find this to be an interesting argument as the Spanish Jesus restored by Cecilia Gimenez in 2012 became known as a great comic relief. It’s a discussion with a fine line between both sides.

Authenticity is a vague and broad topic. This is because there is no correct outline for what is authentic and inauthentic. What one viewer considers to be authentic may be inauthentic for another. What is the base for authenticity? I personally believe it is point of view. The experiences of an individual truly define how they perceive the art around them. As soon as a relation is made to a piece of work, it’s authentic for the individual perceiving it. By relation I mean an emotional connection; perhaps they see themselves through the artwork? Art is about relating to another’s emotions. To be able to do that, the artist must be completely vulnerable, and transparent with their approach. They have to allow the world into their personal space by sharing emotional experiences. This is driven by intuition. Intuition can guide an artist to transparency. It will allow an artist’s subconscious mind to flow into a mode of creativity sharing what is at the core of authenticity; emotion.

Emotions are a beautiful phenomenon. Emotions are a form of communication, and they illustrate the complexity of a human being. Emotions show the imperfection and vulnerability of every human soul. Ultimately, their desire to be loved and understood by each other.