The Richest Photographer In the World

[JChrome]

Really interesting article on Richard Prince.

http://priceonomics.com/the-richest-photographer-in-the-world/

 

[stnolan]

Reminds me of what Kostabi was doing in the 80's and 90's when he was hiring art students to do his paintings and then signing them......which of course Warhol did too

 

[ww2photog]

Guy should be in jail, or at least broke, his entire career is based on stealing from others

 

[chikne]

Reminds me of what Kostabi was doing in the 80's and 90's when he was hiring art students to do his paintings and then signing them......which of course Warhol did too

Not just warhole, paul rubens too, hirst comes to mind too.

The funny thing is if you were to do something like this for your graduation show, you would most likely get a fail.

But if monsieur prince does it it's high art, go figure.

 

[raid]

... while others have to do honest work each day to have a living ...

 

[paulfish4570]

i thought i was the richest photographer in the world, just not in money ... 🙂

 

[Timmyjoe]

Yeah, that's disgusting. Profiting handsomely from others creative work, what an ****.

 

[kuuan]

most sickening are those who pay that guy millions for what he is doing

 

[Hsg]

The richest talent-less hack in the world.

 

[JayC]

He is a horrible person. The rich that buy his stolen stuff are no better. They are also incredibly dumb to think they are buying anything that is original or worthy of being called "art". All, of course, IMHO.

 

[mfogiel]

This concept that art is "all about the artist and zip about what art he makes" makes me literally sick. Try to put a copyright on somebody else's WC or photograph, and then the judges will hang you dry... Here, it is useless to be upset with Mr. Prince, who is somehow "reading the minds" and particularly the wallets of the art collectors. The real sobering observation is how big a scam is the whole circus revolving around "modern art".

 

[Huss]

Not just warhole, paul rubens too, hirst comes to mind too.

Don't forget about Jeff Koons. I think he is the richest artist alive, except he has other people make all his art.

 

[Corran]

art is "all about the artist and zip about what art he makes"

Yep

Try to put a copyright on somebody else's WC or photograph, and then the judges will hang you dry...

Prince's shtick is for the work to be "transformative" so as to get around copyright laws and qualify as "Fair Use." The article mentions the photographer Cariou and his court case. From what I understand the case was settled outside of court because at least some of the images were deemed non-transformative and therefore in violation of copyright, and Cariou was paid an undisclosed amount in damages. I teach a section on copyright law in a college course and I always tell my students that Fair Use can only really be proven in court.

I don't care for the work either but Fair Use is a legitimate defense and it's up to the courts to decide what's what. Unfortunately our court system is stacked against those of us who cannot afford serious legal support, but I do think if all of those people whose Instagram photos were sold banded together and found a lawyer willing to try the case in return for a percentage of the payout, they'd likely get a settlement.

 

[Huss]

So tell me do you make your own images, or do you let Nikon, Canon, or Leica make them for you?

Yes, I make all my own images. If I tell the camera to go out by itself and create a stunning sunset with a tree and reeds framing a humming bird, nothing would happen. Because I would be talking to an inert object that is useless without the direct input, skill, vision and manipulation of the user.

The camera is a tool, no matter how 'good' it is technically it is only as good as the user involved.

🙂

 

[Huss]

Architects, Composers, Writers, all charlatans?

If they copy someone else's work, sure.

If your kid cheated in an exam by copying off someone else's work, how would you view him?

 

[chikne]

Maybe in high school, but not in an MFA program.

hmmmm, I'm quite sure that John Timberlake would differ...

 

[Huss]

You keep confusing Koons and Prince. Koons does not directly appropriate.

Not at all. Read again what I wrote about Koons:

".. I think he is the richest artist alive, except he has other people make all his art."

 

[Bille]

Yeah, that's disgusting. Profiting handsomely from others creative work, what an A**HOLE.

Everyone is free to claim their share of the profit. If Prince and somebody settle quietly for 50/50 thats a win for everyone.

 

[codester80]

Should photograph his stuff and give it away for free. I bet his attitude toward copyright would change. As for the celebrities buying his crap, I say screw them when they bitch about people pirating their music, movies, etc. If they can't support other artists copyright, why should we support theirs.

 

[f16sunshine]

The "Art weirld" is uh..... Artistic.