Contagious Pattern: The Spread of Appropriated Patterns by Contemporary Artists

‘Contagious Pattern’ examines connections between the biological virus and appropriation. Three artists – R. H. Quaytman, David Mabb and Philip Taaffe - who do not reference viruses directly in their use of pattern, are examined dynamically through metaphorical aspects of the biological virus to explore generative kinships to the artists' use of pattern. Bracey argues that the emphasis on aesthetics and materiality in these artists' work act as a distinctive alternative to dominant notions around appropriation in art. The metaphor of the virus can be a productive tool for interpretation of artists work, one that belies the usual harmful associations of viruses.

Keywords: appropriation art ; contemporary art ; contemporary painting ; David Mabb ; metaphor ; painting ; parasitical ; Philip Taaffe ; R. H. Quaytman ; virus