Following on the heels of our instagram censorship
experience, comes an interesting tale found via some work of note on DeviantArt (DA).
DA is a web site that believes that they “are where
art starts”. They state: “We are the movement for the liberation of creative
expression. We believe that art is for everyone, and we're creating the
cultural context for how it is created, discovered, and shared.” The site, which was founded in August 2000, states that at
its essence, its core and what is most important is that they “Bleed and Breed
Art”. Their site, appears to be a genuine place of creativity, experience,
community and sharing. The art is mixed and divergent, both in style and
quality. “Our world is a prolific orgy of originality where creatives enjoy
freedom of artistic expression.”
 |
| Kate by Miguel Enguidanos, deviant artist |
The site claims to be “the largest online social network for
artists”. With apparently “over 32 million registered members” and attracting “over
65 million unique visitors per month” it seems to be a site of some relevance
in the context of the ongoing dialogue and distribution of new work online.
The members - known as “deviants” - upload “over 160,000
original art works every day” … “everything from painting and sculpture to
digital art, pixel art, films, and anime”.
ishotkatemoss explored the site and agreed that it had
validity in assisting many ‘creatives’, yet we were not attracted to a great deal
of work. Some dialogue ensued with a few artists who were utilizing kate’s
visage in the creation of work that commented on their experience and/or
society, rather than just fan art – of which there was copious amounts, most of
which appeared to simply copy imagery in the public space.
 |
| One of many fan art examples on the site: A drawing of the lovely model by '7-Year-Bytch' and the original photograph |
The highlight was coming across the work of the artist ‘lowerrider’ which included one or two with kate that we
found hilarious and worth highlighting. There is not a great deal of information as to why he chooses to manipulate regular day-to-day images by re-proportioning one or more
woman in an image, resulting in starting results.
 |
| lowerrider's Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss |
Our attempts to interview, also have not been successful ... yet, in what he has written about his work, he approaches his commentary with a droll sense of humor. Unfortunately however, not everyone has been so amused by
lowerrider’s efforts, as documented in his “Devious Journal entries”, a sample
of which are copied here:
by lowerrider,
Apr 5, 2013, 2:25:37 PM
Well its been a little over a year since I came over to
DA...and so far its been great. Its nice to see some of the same people here
from other communities and OTHER picture sites...I still don't understand why
my site was shut down over there,( many similar ones are still
thriving)...maybe some un-named celebrity was upset ?? Oh well I guess
I'll never know. Thanks to all that have viewed my stuff...special thanks
to all that have favorited my work and extra-special thanks to those members
who take the time to write a comment.... positive...constructive....or
preferences (negs will be hidden and most likely members blocked). I doubt I
can keep up the pace I have been on...but who knows...as long as there are good
source pics thanks
 |
| More of lowerrider's work |
... In light of what happened to fellow
collager Fred27104...If you like my deviations don't just favorite
them..DOWNLOAD them NOW ! If I dissapear or get closed down I will be at
GiantessCity....and may release my stuff to Giantessbooruu
by lowerrider,
Dec 20, 2013, 3:29:02 AM
Now it looks like they got megalover93...
… it is just a matter of time...
by lowerrider,
Feb 7, 2014, 5:23:09 AM
Now don't be alarmed if some of my pics are 'in
storage'... I believe it was the right thing to do...
if you don't see whats gone...than it really doesn't matter anyway...right ?
I will keep on doing what I'm doing...sadly they were some worthy collages... oh well...
if you don't see whats gone...than it really doesn't matter anyway...right ?
I will keep on doing what I'm doing...sadly they were some worthy collages... oh well...
by lowerrider,
Sep 11, 2014, 6:30:46 PM
OK guys looks like the END may be coming....Download the
pictures that you like, don't just save them...... I just got a few of these messages from DA
I had a feeling something bad would happen on Sept 11th....hmmmm
We have moved 2 of your deviations from "Digital Art > Photomanipulation > Fantasy" to " Scraps".
The administrator also said the following:
Following review, your deviation is being placed in your Scrapbook because it was created using material that is not a valid stock image or other resource ...
Our copyright policy, in brief, states that your submissions may only contain materials or images which were created entirely through your own effort, authorized stock or resources and materials or images for which you have obtained permission for use in the submission.
This means that content such as screenshots, celebrity photographs, video game sprites, and other similar materials are not typically considered to be valid resources for use in submissions to your deviantART gallery unless you have obtained written permission from the copyright holder.
Failure to obtain proper permission for the use of materials protected under copyright can leave your deviantART submission vulnerable to being removed by our staff following a valid claim of infringement against it.
I had a feeling something bad would happen on Sept 11th....hmmmm
We have moved 2 of your deviations from "Digital Art > Photomanipulation > Fantasy" to " Scraps".
The administrator also said the following:
Following review, your deviation is being placed in your Scrapbook because it was created using material that is not a valid stock image or other resource ...
Our copyright policy, in brief, states that your submissions may only contain materials or images which were created entirely through your own effort, authorized stock or resources and materials or images for which you have obtained permission for use in the submission.
This means that content such as screenshots, celebrity photographs, video game sprites, and other similar materials are not typically considered to be valid resources for use in submissions to your deviantART gallery unless you have obtained written permission from the copyright holder.
Failure to obtain proper permission for the use of materials protected under copyright can leave your deviantART submission vulnerable to being removed by our staff following a valid claim of infringement against it.
And some interesting replies to this post:
Balore84 Sep
12, 2014
"This means that content such as screenshots, celebrity
photographs, video game sprites, and other similar materials are not typically
considered to be valid resources for use in submissions to your deviantART
gallery unless you have obtained written permission from the copyright
holder."
… Srsly tho, this is ridiculous. Like fucking hell I'm asking permission to use a public celebrity photo.
… Srsly tho, this is ridiculous. Like fucking hell I'm asking permission to use a public celebrity photo.
apollocreed23
Sep 12, 2014
celebrity's images on the web are public, they can't remove
them... in that case deviantart could be closed completely
All of this got us thinking, yet again, about the contradictions in 'art', business (which, ultimately - given all of the pop up ads - is what DeviantArt, Instagram, Facebook etc), photography, image use, copyright laws and, of course, freedom of speech.
Remember the statement from DA: Our world is a prolific orgy of originality where creatives enjoy
freedom of artistic expression? Really? Feels like censorship to iskm.
What is appropriate? Appropriated ...
Observe. Slow Down. Resize. Shoot. Submit.
No comments:
Post a Comment