The bigger picture was not on display when Samuel Kerson completed two murals at the University of Vermont Law School (VLS). Titled “Slavery” and “Liberation,” the works were immediately controversial. Throughout the murals’ tenure, students complained about the caricature-like depiction of the victims of slavery. After the murder of George Floyd, the law school began…
The Visual Artists Rights Act (VARA) was passed in 1990; but, to date, only around 15 artists have brought cases in attempts to enforce the rights it protects. That’s why it was notable when a jury ruled against the developer of 5 Pointz, a case we blogged about previously. Recently, another plaintiff suing under VARA was not…
Anyone who has had the pleasure of riding outbound LIRR trains from New York’s Penn Station over the years probably remembers a memorable sight: the 5Pointz graffiti artist showcase emblazoned on the exterior walls of some aging factory buildings in Long Island City. Having reached at least a tacit deal with the owner of the…