It looks like the court case between artist Shepard Fairey and the Associated Press surrounding the Barack Obama ‘Hope’ poster that Fairey had produced, is not over yet. The Los Angeles Times reports this week that the artist has now entered a guilty plea in the criminal case
“Fairey admitted in 2009 to destroying documents and submitting false images in his legal battle with the AP. The news organization had accused Fairey of improperly using an AP photo of Obama in his “Hope” poster. Fairey claimed that he was covered by fair-use laws.
In 2011, the artist settled his civil case with the AP out of court.
A sentencing date has been set for July 16. The U.S. Attorney’s Office said in a release that the artist faces a maximum sentence of six months in prison and a maximum term of supervised release of one year. He also faces a maximum fine of $5,000.”
Incredible how long this has been going on and a real pity that Fairey has to deal with this kind of stuff for producing such an iconic piece of work.
Photography: Los Angeles Times
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Fairey goes after smaller designers when they mod Fairey’s Andre the Giant design. Home lesson is learned. Pay the Piper.
^You are damn right
I don’t think there’s anything wrong with taking things (photos, books, music etc.) that resonate with inspiration or fuel your imagination. Jean-Luc Godard said, “It’s not where you take things from – it’s where you take them to.”
BUT, you should be open and honest about it. Destroying the evidence and/or lying about it is pretty low. Fairey deserves to deal with all that, in my opinion.
he is a massive plagiarist — simply google it for plenty of examples…
he is a talented collage artist – as TS says but he gives no credit and credit where credit is due
check out this
http://www.art-for-a-change.com/Obey/index.htm
this is some bullshit. he is a talented bloke and deserves accolades. his art is all about co-opting. he pays for everything he does… all kinds of hacks get rich on his back. alas… he didn’t this time and got stung for it… he has my respect and pity.
@ Pixie I have seen that post before. Fuck Fairey. I dont’ feel any simpathy for his ass. Take your medicine. ” Young Guns, when Buckshot gets shot”.
@ Pixie
I seen that article before. I don’t feel any pity for Fairey.. He’s always stomping on unknown designers when they alter his design. FCK Fairey.
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