We have always appropriated other peoples work, I remember as a small boy cutting male and female figures out of comics and making our own version of “Fuzzy Felt”.

A more grown up version of this practise was created by Moholy-Nagy who cut out photos from magazines then joined them with lines and shapes to change their meaning to depict his political ideas. Some are humorous most attack the narrow thoughts of Weimar Germany. Man Ray did much the same with his work cutting out shapes and creating a surreal collage.

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Claude Cahun used this kind of effect a lot however he placed himself into his pictures to get messages across to his audience. His work challenges but also pleases at the same time. His use of pictorial humour draws you in.

So seeing this it is no surprise to think of new ways to do the same. Michael Wolf must have spent hours finding his work for Hong Kong detail, looking for people doing interesting things is difficult in real life, online looking at Google maps must be nearly impossible. Wolf manages to show the big picture then gives you lots of detail fabulous work.

I would have no qualms about doing something similar as long as the end result was worthy of taking the work of others and using it.

Using others work and adding a touch of humour can be thought provoking, however it is vital that you make it clear you are do this in your work. Otherwise your audience will stop trusting you and your work. If you are honest they will accept the work and even admire it.

Imagine how Hitler felt when he saw Moholy-Nagy`s “Hitlers Dove of Peace” no wonder Hitler hated Dadaist work. It can be extremely powerful.