Chinese copyists

[Michael Georges]

Wow Marvin, that is freaky. Imagine, you too can have your own Marvin Mattelson reproduction painting for only "USD" as their shopping cart tells me.

I don't suppose there is anything you can do to get your stuff pulled off there?

One of the first things we learned in Kindergarten and Sunday School was to "not steal". Reproducing art that is in the public domain for money is one thing - grabbing stuff up from websites of artists that are still alive and painting is far another.

It seems to be an accepted part of the Chinese culture as it pervades everything from CDs to shoes to paintings. And the government does little to dissuade it.

[Marvin Mattelson]

Michael, I sent the site an email requesting removal of my name and images from their site. I was told it would be removed soon. I guess soon hasn't arrived yet.

There was actually a "sponsored link" to their site if you did a Google search for "marvin mattelson". I notified Google of the fact they were facilitating copyright infringement and the sponsored link was gone the next day.

In the meantime I may offer portraits of Chairman Mao on my site for a few yen.

[Alexandra Tyng]

Marvin, I guess this means you have arrived?

Just kidding. . .about something that I shouldn't kid about. It's despicable! And this goes on even without the "orphan art works" bill!

[Michele Rushworth]

I see they're offering Bill Whitaker's stuff too, and work by Tony Ryder, Kirk Richards and many others.

[SB Wang]

http://www.authorsden.com/visit/view...AuthorID=54086

http://www.boingboing.net/2008/04/18...s-paintin.html

[Enzie Shahmiri]

I just really would love to see one of these copies in person and see what type of quality they are. If they are good, then I would love to know how the coyists are trained and within what time frame one person can produce one painting. Also makes me wonder how much these employees are getting paid for standing at an easel everyday working in long shifts.


SB you must have answered my question with your post while I was still typing. Thanks for the information!


Does anyone know what legal recourse artists have? Marvin or Bill have you ever come across someone you know who has seen your knock off work? What were their comments?

[Alexandra Tyng]

Thank you, SB, for the links. I found the first article especially interesting and informative. The emphasis seemed to be mainly on the consumer, stressing the inferiority of copied works and the public's love of a bargain.

Although the issue of illegality was mentioned, I thought the article did not cover this issue adequately. There was a lot of concern over how the heads of these enterprises are getting rich while the copyist "artists" are not paid well and work in sweatshop conditions. Of course this is outrageous, but what about the artists whose work is being copied illegally? These businesses are blatantly violating copyright law when they should be 1) asking permission to reproduce, 2) paying the original artists royalties, and 3) respecting the right of the original artists if these artists choose to deny them permission to reproduce. The artists should be making money from this (if they choose) but they are not. They should be paid retroactively for all sales. The whole point, in my opinion, is that these businesses should not exist, at least not in their present form.

The author urged the consumer not to buy "sweatshop" products in general. Again, although this is an important issue, it lumps this "art" in with all other sweatshop products from China. The issues of 1) stopping the sale of illegal goods, and 2) the money due to artists of the original works, get only a passing nod in this article.

[Mischa Milosevic]

What ever the case, these artists produce some excellent work. I believe that there are lessons to be learn't here.

Whether we like or not, people WILL start comparing and asking 'what it is that I am paying for at prices ranging in the thousands'. They WILL start asking for credentials and a few months of study with Mr.so and so will not cut the mustard any more.

Let us be realistic here, what ever we may think, these young artists are producing paintings from photos. They are nut just copying a photo, as is the favorite pastime of today.

It speaks to me that I, I must hone my skills if I am to stay in the game, otherwise hit the road Jack or Jill. Or maybe my answer will be to rely on my marketing skills and not care about my level of skill. Or should I just slap paint around and call it art and then let marketing fret the rest.

Com on people. We need to wake up. Our skills must prove to be the best and better than the average Joe. If not one can find them selves at the sup kitchen down the street.