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H&M: Against Graffiti & Street Art.

This legal battle could devoid artists of copyright protection and leave their artwork to be used by any brand or corporation, without any payment or even needing the artist’s permission

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2 years ago

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This week, fashion retailer H&M filed a lawsuit in Federal Court in New York, allegedly asking the court to essentially rule that any and all unsanctioned or illegal artwork, such as street art and graffiti, should be devoid of copyright protection and can be used by any brand or corporation, without any payment or even needing the artist’s permission.

This action taken by H&M is a full out assault on artists’ rights. This could render millions of murals and important pieces of artwork worldwide completely unprotected and available for corporate use, without any payment or permission needed whatsoever. 

There is still ongoing debate on whether or not unsanctioned street art is protected by U.S. copyright laws. Under existing law, a work immediately receives protection if it is an “original work of authorship fixed in any tangible medium of expression,” as stated in 17 U.S.C. § 102(a).

Photo of Revoks illegal artwork in Brooklyn

This all began when H&M was caught using Jason “REVOK” Williams artwork in an advertising campaign without his permission. When REVOK asked them to stop, they responded by threatening him with criminal charges and filed this lawsuit declaring that all artists of unsanctioned artwork should be unprotected and have no rights whatsoever.

H&M’s legal move shows that the company plans to use artwork and appropriate urban culture to sell their products, for their own financial gains, while at the same time devaluing and delegitimizing our artwork, our culture, and everything we work for. Many artists may find their careers and livelihoods in jeopardy, and one day could possibly see their artwork plastered all over an advertisement.

Some artists have took matters into their own hands:

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“WATR•HART #extinguishergraffiti” #fuckhm

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#FHandM

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The courtpapers of H&M suing Revok for PDF download here

*Update: Apparently H&M issued this statement after considerable backlash.

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Fashion

Miss Paraguay Faints After Winning Miss Grand International

Miss Paraguay couldn’t believe the final results.

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11 months ago

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October 27, 2018

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Although not as controversial as Steve Harvey’s 2015 Miss Universe mishap (lol), Paraguay’s Clara Sosa fainted on stage right after she was announced as the new Miss Grand International 2018.

Several people rushed on stage to help her before she quickly recovered to receive her crown. Clara won her title at the coronation night in Myanmar on October 25. She succeeds Peru’s Maria Lora Jose.

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Fashion

The Brooklyn Nets Honor The Notorious BIG With Coogi-Inspired Jerseys

The Brooklyn Nets will be honoring recording artist “Biggie Smalls” with their new jersey’s.

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11 months ago

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October 27, 2018

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Brooklyn Nets journalist, Anthony Puuccio, tweeted the first look of the brand new Brooklyn Nets City Edition Jerseys.

The jerseys are indicative of the impact of recording artist “Biggie Smalls” or “The Notorious BIG”, a Brooklyn native. The trim of the jerseys at inspired by the Coogi sweaters Biggie famously donned.

“However, living better now, Coogi Sweater now/ Drop Top BM’s, I’m the man, girlfriend”

“Big Poppa”  Ready To Die 

In a press release from December 2017, the NBA stated that “the Nike NBA City Edition uniforms represent insights and emotion from the court to the upper deck to the cities’ streets, in pursuit of a unique way to capture each team and its city in a way that respects the past and present of the clubs while also positioning them for the future.”

Each NBA teams “NBA City Edition” uniform will undoubtedly be fire. The Minnesota Timberwolves are honoring recording artist “Prince” with their purple City Edition uniforms.

The Notorious BIG jerseys are scheduled to debut in November, but we’ll keep you updated with design updates and new pictures.

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Fashion

Swizz Beatz Curates a Contemporary Art Sale for Sotheby’s in New York

The Grammy-Award winning music producer and global entrepreneur lends his exceptional creative vision and passion to select his favorite works from the 300+ lots on offer.

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12 months ago

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September 22, 2018

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Swizz Beatz didn’t aspire to become a renowned art collector it just happened. The Grammy Award winning producer, global entrepreneur, and recent graduate of Harvard’s Business School, has always had the ability to recognize (and create) sounds, images, and moments that make us feel.

This season, Sotheby’s recognizes that talent allowing Swizz Beatz to curate a contemporary sale based off of his selections from the Sotheby’s Contemporary Curated auction.

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#AboutLastNight: @therealswizzz took over our #NYC galleries to host a reception in celebration of the opening of the pre-sale exhibition for our Contemporary Curated auction on 25 September. Accompanied by his wife, singer and songwriter @aliciakeys, the Grammy award-winning couple and guests enjoyed the sounds of @therealdjrunna and a special viewing of works on offer by artists including Kerry James Marshall, Kehinde Wiley, Frank Stella, Robert Motherwell, Faith Ringgold, Mark Rothko and more – with a selection of highlights curated by Swizz Beatz. @bangolufsen served as the presenting partner. The exhibition is on view now in our York Ave galleries through 24 September and is free and open to the public. #SothebysContemporary 🎤🎨

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His choices are an intriguing mix of established and emerging artists, prominently featuring works by African American and Latin American artists, with names from Kerry James Marshall and Richard Serra to Faith Ringgold and Shara Hughes.

The exhibition is on view now in their NYC location through September 24th and is free and open to the public.

The Contemporary Curated auction will be held on September 25th.

Click here to see his top Contemporary picks.

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