Orientalism refers to the imitation or depiction of aspects of Eastern cultures in the West by writers, designers and artists, and can also refer to a sympathetic stance towards the region by a writer or other person. Since the publication of Edward Said's Orientalism, the term has arguably taken on a pejorative meaning, becoming shorthand for prejudiced views towards cultures of the East.
An "Orientalist" may be a person engaged in these activities, but is also the traditional term for any scholar of Oriental studies.