I’ve been listening to Terry Gross interview Shepard Fairey
about his image of Barack Obama—the
one that became so famous during the campaign. He’s involved in a lawsuit over
his use of the image which is an artistic elaboration on a photo taken by
Mannie Garcia of the Associated Press. I post it here so you don’t have to
bother to link:
(I know that I’m allowed to post it because I’ve read my
rights with regard to intellectual property and fair use.)
During the campaign there were many grass-roots renditions
of Obama photos, and I made one myself for a fundraiser at a local art gallery.
I chickened out and didn’t submit it, but I’m posting it here now. For you.
Like Shepard Fairey, I used another person’s photo and
tinkered around as artists do to add some gray to the black and white, to
convey my own impression. I used a photo that was sanctioned by the Obama
campaign headquarters; Fairey didn’t.
Still I’m not sure he isn’t within his rights. Was it only wrong because
he profited from it?
Not that I’m worried about ‘fair use.’ You’ve seen my Pres.
Obama leaning out the Govins' limo! (below)