Street artist in lawsuit of Obama picture

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090204/ap_en_ot/obama_poster

You see, this is what's wrong with the world. Our freedoms to "express" are there, but be careful of "what" you express! This is just more reason why I hate blood sucking attorneys and greedy businesses. Yes, sure, the proper thing the guy should have done is get permission, but if I were in that guys shoes I'd be saying, "What photo? I created it from memory because I'm an ARTIST!" It just kills me the things people come up with to sue someone else who is just trying to make a living! God forbid anyone tries to get ahead in life without the fear of stepping on someone's toes! Really folks, a really good artist CAN draw a rendering of someone famous just from pure vivid memory -- it is possible and has been done by countless artists for years.

Look, if he admits he rendered his creation from their photo, and the prosecuting business can actually prove it is "their photo", then yes, Fairey owes some royalties. However, there could be thousands of photos out there taken at the same angle, same lighting, etc. And with the use of photoshop these days, so many photos can be altered to look like other famous photos and it's really not that hard. Personally, I really hope Fairey wins this case, because I like to see a starving artist hit it big and it is what the American dream should be about. Nevertheless, the American dream, now days, is make your mark and prey someone doesn't sue you for whatever little thing they can possibly find! G-damn lawyers can kiss my shiny metal ass!

Art in question:

Hey Tim...

I've seen this same photograph (on the right^) on the cover of a recent Esquire magazine issue - I wonder if the mag paid the A.P. for it's use, or they themselves could get sued (LOL).

Lawyers...

-JOE- (Love Hendrix!)

agree.

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[Post edited by bladerunner1 on Feb 5, 2009 - CST 3:00 AM]

This is so ludicrous. You know, one of my favorite paintings in the world is the Cafe at Night by Vincent Van Gogh. I guess he should have paid the coffe shop, the people in the painting, plus all the other shops also for being in his painting huh. So stupid.

The people that are trying to sue this artist should be countersued for stupidity and wasting everyones time just to set an example.