What exactly is a sanction, and how is one established? The most common way for an artist to sanction particular features of his or her work is by presenting an object within a particular context: by presenting a painted canvas with a particular set of visible features, for instance, the artist typically sanctions a corresponding set of visible features for the artwork. In addition, some features of the artwork are fixed by actions and in communications, such as giving the work a title, offering an artist statement to accompany the work, or instructing curators about conservation or the conditions of display, the artist establishes sanction of certain features of the work. These features must be ascertained and taken into account during any interpretative endeavor.
Irvin, 2005, p. 319 - 320
