Cultural Appropriation in Art: Definition, Examples & Ethics

In its simplest form, cultural appropriation in art involves incorporating symbols, tales, motifs, or traditions from a different culture particularly a marginalized one without appropriate understanding, recognition, or approval.

It tends to cause controversy since it may remove sacred or significant aspects from their environment and use them for profit, enjoyment, or beauty, not acknowledging the original community.

On CogniMyths, we explore how culture, history, and myths are often reshaped or misused in modern society. Cultural appropriation in art is one of the strongest examples of this dynamic.

Although appropriation in art has been employed over centuries in the form of borrowing or remixing, cultural appropriation is not the same it's not merely "influence" or "inspiration." It's power, privilege, and context.

For instance, when a prosperous artist borrows Indigenous patterns and sells them on a canvas without giving credits to the community, that's appropriation. But when an Indigenous person takes back their heritage in contemporary art, that's cultural expression, not appropriation.

We’ve seen similar themes in our article on Lost Civilizations  where cultures were misrepresented or their contributions erased.

Consider this: inspiration is a dialogue, but appropriation is theft.

1. Inspiration respects, quotes, and provides room for the culture.
2. Appropriation employs without credit, frequently taking profound cultural significance and turning it into a style moment.

Cultural Appreciation vs Appropriation in Art

The distinction between cultural appreciation and appropriation is occasionally unclear.

1. Appreciation involves studying, respecting, and attributing.
2. Appropriation cuts corners overlooking history, overlooking suffering, and overlooking permission.

Example : Purchasing Indigenous designed jewelry directly from Native artists is appreciation. Purchasing a cheap imitation of their sacred symbols from a fast fashion store is appropriation.

When Inspiration Turns into Exploitation

Artists oftentimes plead, "But I was just inspired!"
Here's the litmus test: If your creation benefits from another culture's symbols without involving that community, likely, it's exploitation.

Historical Origins of Cultural Appropriation in Art

Cultural appropriation is not new it's rooted deeply in colonialism and asymmetrical power relations.

Western powers, during colonial periods, gathered, plundered, and exhibited sacred African, Asian, and American objects in their museums. Whole aesthetics were pilfered and re launched as "discoveries."

Anecdote: Picasso's iconic cubism style was greatly influenced by African masks but he very seldom credited the actual cultures. Those masks, divorced from their ritualistic contexts, became "modern art."

1. 19th-century Orientalism paintings idealized Middle Eastern culture but sustained stereotypes.
2. Headdresses of Native Americans have been abused in stage dramas and pageants for a long time.
3. Hindu symbols sacred to them were duplicated in 1960s Western psychedelic art out of context. 

As social media gained prominence arguments on art appropriation are more open to view than ever.

Indigenous Motifs in Contemporary Art Controversy

Nowadays, numerous non-Indigenous artists incorporate Indigenous motifs into their designs without recognition. This has resulted in charges of exploitation and battles in the law courts regarding intellectual property.

Sacred Symbols Misuse in Art

Symbols such as the Om dreamcatchers, and Buddhist mandalas have been commodified as wall decorations and tattoos, losing their sacred significance.

We’ve also written about Feminism in Cultural Contexts, where appropriation of movements and voices sparks similar debates.

Power Dynamics in Cultural Appropriation

The issue isn't beauty it's power. A privileged artist can make money, but the marginalized community tends to be erased or stereotyped.

Examples of Cultural Appropriation Art

Let's examine a few instances in which appropriation led to worldwide debates.

Marc Jacobs' 2017 fashion show was criticized for putting white models in dreadlocks, a hair style which is deeply rooted within Black identity. World-renowned artist Jeff Koons has been charged with appropriating Indigenous and folk imagery without recognition.

Today's Artists in the Spotlight

Artists such as Dana Schutz were condemned for their paintings of Emmett Till, a Black civil rights icon, and asking: Who gets to tell certain stories?

Ethics of Visual Arts Appropriation

The ethics of visual arts appropriation are concerned with three things: respect, permission, and representation.

Seek permission when symbols are sacred.

Represent communities honestly, not stereotypically.

How Power and Privilege Influence Art

Appropriation tends to move from the powerful to the powerless wealthy artists borrowing poor communities' traditions, or Western art galleries making money off non-Western cultures.

So how do artists avoid cultural appropriation in art and still be inspired?

Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1 – Do Your Research

When using cultural motifs, research their meaning first. Context is crucial.

Step 2 – Engage with Communities

Talk to cultural bearers. Ask them how they would feel about your idea.

Step 3 – Acknowledge and Credit Sources

If your art is informed by another culture, state it clearly in your artist statement.

Step 4 – Ask for Permission When Necessary

Some symbols are sacred. Permission is essential.

Step 5 – Work Collaboratively Rather Than Appropriately

Make appropriation collaborative art instead of appropriation—share credit and profits.

Collaboration turns exploitation into mutual respect.

Building Bridges Rather Than Barriers

Artists coming together from different cultures create new work without identity theft.

Success Stories of Collaboration

1. Artists from indigenous communities working with designers to present real stories.
2. Immigrant community murals painted with local artists collaboratively.
3. Case Studies of Cultural Appropriation in Art

Fashion Meets Fine Art

The controversy over the Gucci 2018 "turbans" made appropriation news when Sikh religious headwear was marketed as a fashion item. 

Music and Visual Arts Crossovers

Hip-hop culture , which originated in Black communities, has been substantially commodified by mainstream pop and art, raising ownership debates.

Cancel Culture vs Constructive Criticism

Artists on Twitter nowdays (X) and Instagram may be immediately shut down. While cancel culture is rude, it also raises awareness.

Artists Responding to Backlash

Some apologize and revise their work. Others double down, claiming "freedom of expression."

The Future of Art and Cultural Exchange

The argument rages on, yet there is one certainty: the future of art has to be ethical.

Towards Ethical Inspiration

Art has the potential to be a bridge, not a weapon, if practice is done with empathy and respect.

Empowering Marginalized Artists

Rather than appropriating their traditions, support them directly purchase their art, include them in exhibitions, amplify their voices.

1. What is cultural appropriation in art with examples?
It's when artists appropriate cultural motifs without knowing or permission—for instance, Western fashion brands selling Native headdresses.

2. How can artists prevent cultural appropriation?
By researching, community engagement, seeking permission, and collaborating.

3. How is appreciation different from appropriation?
Appreciation honors and gives credit; appropriation takes advantage.

4. Why is cultural appropriation bad in art?
Because it tends to take advantage of marginalized communities while suppressing their voices.

5. Can collaboration end the problem of appropriation in art?
Yes collaboration makes exploitation empowerment by giving and receiving credit.

Artistic cultural appropriation isn't about stifling creativity it's about accountability. When artists research, respect, and collaborate, they can make artworks celebrating diversity without annihilating it.

The art of the future is not appropriation it's appreciation, collaboration, and empowerment.