Since 2005, an artist has been using the trademark stamps and type to create about 300 one-off pieces of art in New York. The Artist creates visual autobiographies of random New Yorkers on garments (usually t-shirts), I photograph each one, and then they are hand delivered to the recipient in a plain box. The work is not signed and the artist has never asked any of the recipients of their opinions.
I wanted to support the project because it really carries on the spirit of why the trademarks were originally used:
The art is personally associated to the person who ultimately sees it;
The art promotes the appeal of creativity over mass production;
The art questions why copyright laws are still as illogical as they were back in 1842 and why nobody seems to care. If someone wears the t-shirt the art is barely protected at all, but if they frame it for the wall, it is fully protected as a piece of painted art. That the recipient decides what copyright protection the art is granted, rather than the artist, is ridiculous;
The art promotes the concept of original ideas, even using 130 year old stamps, rather than the current norm of design “inspiration”, which is just a genteel way of describing copying.
I like it and appreciate being able to show you some examples here, even though the artist would rather remain anonymous and does not create them by request.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Truly inspirational, thank you for sharing.
Love these shirts, so personalized and cool. What a great way to reuse these blocks and keep the history alive.
Still in awe. Can not believe the things that you showed me today and how much you know about it. Thank you. Looking forward to getting you involved with the gang that might be able to benefit from this.
Ant