Yes. For example, the vocalists of some bands you/I really like don't write the lyrics they sing. The text belongs to other members of the band. So does it makes the vocalist any worse? Depends on the things you want to see. And the level you judge from. Yes, maybe all that Mariany does - just copying. But not everyone can do even that. Look at his works, half of them looks like those ppl are alive, though it was made by a pencil on a piece of paper. Isn't it art? Many people can keep the image in their mind, but can't really reproduce it. But he can, and he knows how, as he's talented. Many people can copy from a photo, but their pictures still look awkward. But he makes his works look as perfect, as a picture that's drawn with a pencil can be. Especially if to consider that he's only 23 now, and started working on that stuff years ago. It's just that some artists are good at getting the ideas and their incarnation, and some are just good at technic reproducing of what they see (and even you use posers for your paintings sometimes, or painters who paint nature, standing in the forest. So isn't it copying?). So of course, if to look at Mariany as at one who gets great ideas - he's a piece of shit. But if too look at him as at the one who reproduces stuff the way he does - he's an ace, especially if to consider that he draws real people. And both of those thigs are considered as ART.
Good question.
