Dafen Village has existed for over 30 years now. It is an artists’ village for producing replicas of masterworks, mostly on the work of Van Gogh, which I visited while based in Hong Kong during the summer holidays this year. This was an opportunity to dive into a controversial art topic - copying - when I visited the village. I was looking forward to speaking to the artists as well as customers. But I felt a little unsatisfied as I thought about this, as I personally, did not agree with the objective of artists of copying an artist’s work to only take profit.
With this thought I was an anomaly compared to most of the happy tourists. It even took a while to blend in before beginning my walk. I was at first engaged by a traditional Chinese painting and calligraphy shop; the meditative aura struck me immediately once I stepped in the shop, due to the artist’s unique style. A man at the corner was writing calligraphy, and I started a conversation with him. He was a self-taught artist filled with wisdom that he had acquired from books, who was incredibly experienced in using inks. The keen attention he had introduced me to the beauty of Chinese style art , and I was impressed by his passion. He explained that it is his orginality that pushes him to develop his art for decades, consequently, he was determined that he would price his artwork according to the amount of effort spent on the presentation of ideas, creating a fair price.
I enquired about his view on the production of Van Gogh’s artwork commercial copies in Dafen, where his shop was located , and he had some interesting views which were unexpected.
“Don’t you think it is quite controversial and unpleasant to copy ones’ works and to sell them?”
“I see what you mean. But I do agree with what they are doing because people do buy them, hence, this is why people make them.”
This was a shock which struck me sharply because of how explicit and wise what he just said was. It immediately challenged by belief of the inseparable element of personal thought in art. Since art to me is the method to convey concepts and feelings, not just a demonstration of skills. These skills adopted by the ‘Van Gogh painters’ I felt were as shallow as the pompous people who hang those paintings and refer themselves to having good art taste at home. Who is wrong, and who is right? Perhaps, running a Chinese painting and calligraphy shop is uneasy comparing to the other shops in this village, since most tourists are aiming for Van Gogh’s paintings. However, he was happy focusing on his own art and style, and did not stir up any conflict against others.
-A painter is producing an artist copy (The Kiss by Gustav Klimt).
I had attempted to interview the ‘Van Gogh painters’ later, but they seemed not too welcome about my arrival. However, I did purchase one of the best-known paintings from a ‘Van Gogh painter’ towards the end of my visit for my brother- the Sunflowers. I realised that by judging the customers of the paintings, I was also judging the artists. My brother asked for the painting, because he wouldn't be able to paint such a close copy himself.
While there are no copy rights to protect Van Gogh’s work, the number of copies has promoted the artist himself, and we are more aware of him. As such, the copies allow more people to appreciate Van Gogh masterpieces. It doesn't matter whether you buy it because you like it, or you just want to show case that you have a ‘good taste’. I'd like to let you reflect on whether you think this village is a good or bad idea: should we allow people to make copies of art, or should we keep art personal to the artist?
Finally, a quote from the movie At Eternity’s Gate, a dramatisation of Van Gogh's life, which may inspire you - “Of all the miseries that afflict humanity, nothing maddens me more than the lack of money".
-Real Van Gogh's self portrait captured during my visit to a museum.
- A copy of Van Gogh's self portrait found in Dafen.
- Products for sale in Dafen.
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