How to Cite an Artist
Citing an artist is an essential part of academic and professional writing, as it acknowledges the original creator of a work and provides readers with the necessary information to locate the source. Whether you are writing a research paper, a blog post, or a book review, proper citation of artists is crucial to maintain integrity and avoid plagiarism. In this article, we will discuss the different methods of citing an artist, including MLA, APA, and Chicago styles, as well as some common scenarios where artist citation is required.
MLA Style
In MLA style, when citing an artist, you typically include the artist’s name, the title of the work, and the medium of the work. If the artist’s name is known, place it in parentheses after the title. Here’s an example:
John Doe. “The Artwork.” Painting, 2020.
If the artist’s name is not known, use a shortened title or a descriptive phrase in parentheses after the title. For instance:
“Abstract Composition.” Painting, 2020.
In a works-cited list, include the artist’s name, the title of the work, the medium, and the date of creation. If the artist’s name is not available, use a shortened title or a descriptive phrase.
APA Style
APA style requires citing an artist in a slightly different manner. When citing an artist in the text, include the artist’s name, the title of the work, and the medium. If the artist’s name is known, place it in parentheses after the title. For example:
John Doe (“The Artwork,” 2020) painted a remarkable painting.
In the reference list, include the artist’s name, the title of the work, the medium, and the date of creation. If the artist’s name is not available, use a shortened title or a descriptive phrase.
Chicago Style
Chicago style has two different methods for citing an artist: the Notes-Bibliography system and the Author-Date system. In the Notes-Bibliography system, you would include the artist’s name, the title of the work, and the medium in the note. For example:
1. John Doe, “The Artwork,” painting, 2020.
In the Bibliography, include the artist’s name, the title of the work, the medium, and the date of creation. If the artist’s name is not available, use a shortened title or a descriptive phrase.
In the Author-Date system, you would include the artist’s name, the title of the work, and the medium in parentheses after the title. For example:
“The Artwork” (John Doe, painting, 2020).
In the reference list, include the artist’s name, the title of the work, the medium, and the date of creation. If the artist’s name is not available, use a shortened title or a descriptive phrase.
Common Scenarios
Citing an artist is necessary in various situations, such as:
– Analyzing an artwork in a research paper
– Reviewing an exhibition or a book about art
– Discussing an artist’s work in a blog post or article
– Using an image or a description of an artwork in a presentation
Always remember to provide accurate information about the artist and the work, and to follow the appropriate citation style guidelines to maintain academic integrity and give proper credit to the original creator.
