“Nothing is Beatleproof!” In what context? - Art and the artist's image as communication

Sammanfattning: Art is often definedasaprocessofcreationguidedbyartist’sintention.However,artwork as a means of expression is also a communicative medium. Does context and audience influenceartworkandidentityofartists?How?Canonedefineanartworkasaco-designbetweenartistandcontext,includingtheaudience?What is the role of communication in this process? The purpose of the thesis is to explore the idea of art as a communicative co-design process by studying the relation between the popular music band Beatles and its context. Is their image or identity a result of a marketing intention or a co-design, which occurred between the band and their audience and colleagues? The band’s artistic approaches, patterns and strategies are viewed from a communication perspective. Answers to the above questions are found in communication theories related to creative processes, production and the media, studies in aesthetic theories and popular culture, and examples of communication between the band and its audience as well as between the band and other artists. The present study findsthatinteractionwithaudiencehadaprofoundeffectontheBeatles’ art and image. It concludes that both artwork and artist’s identity are shaped through communication and co-design influencedbycontext,i.e.notsimplyproducts of artistic intention nor marketing strategies.