In the quote, David Shields highlights a widespread cultural practice where artists incorporate or remix existing material to create something new. This can be seen across various mediums such as music, literature, and visual arts. He references figures like Vanilla Ice, Girl Talk, Danger Mouse, William Burroughs, Shakespeare, and Tchaikovsky to illustrate how this technique has been used throughout history.
Shields's quote delves into the concept of creativity and innovation rooted in borrowing from or altering previous works. It suggests that every artist stands on the shoulders of those who came before them, drawing inspiration and building upon existing ideas. This practice is not just a contemporary trend but has deep historical roots. By mentioning artists like William Burroughs, who used a technique called "cut-ups" long before hip-hop sampling became popular, Shields emphasizes how different art forms influence each other over time. Similarly, the mention of Shakespeare's use of Holinshed’s chronicles and Tchaikovsky's incorporation of existing musical themes underscores that this practice is not new but rather a fundamental aspect of artistic expression.
David Shields is an American author known for his work in non-fiction, particularly in literary criticism and essay writing. He has gained recognition for his exploration of narrative techniques and the nature of truth in contemporary literature. His work often challenges conventional storytelling methods by blending fact and fiction, aligning with the idea that creativity frequently involves reinterpreting or remixing existing content to create new narratives and perspectives.
