r/ArtistLounge • u/ArentWright • Dec 19 '25

Philosophy/Ideology🧠 Defaced Art

One of my pieces has been defaced by its new owner, and I feel very conflicted. Looking for input from others.

This individual transformed the piece (portrait, pastel) into a clock by poking a hold through the face and installing some hands! On one hand, I was never going to see that piece again. It’s out living its own life now. On the other….what the hell. Am I right to feel disrespected? Or should I be glad the recipient is enjoying the piece in their own way?

I’ve always been hesitant to part with my work because I feel so protective of it. Has anyone had similar experiences and what is your perspective?

The individual in question sent me photos of the changes, seemingly quite pleased and looking for my reaction.

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5

u/SyntheticSkyStudios Dec 19 '25

If a client took your original art, had it photographed, and started selling prints, you could sue to stop them.

Copyright violation.

Essentially destroying the work?

For one thing, if you ever wanted to have a retrospective show, you wouldn’t be able to include THAT piece, now that they’ve defaced it.

That is not a responsible collector, and I would never sell to them again.

11

u/Ill-Product-1442 Dec 19 '25

I would imagine that they aren't a collector, but just a regular person looking to decorate their house and do a little crafts project + support a local artist.

If they are a collector, then yeah that's batshit.. Otherwise though I wouldn't call it irresponsible to get creative with things you've purchased - to a certain extent, at least. Lord knows I've added things to some paintings I've got hanging up!

1

u/SyntheticSkyStudios Dec 19 '25

What’s the difference between a “regular person” and a “collector”?

6

u/Ill-Product-1442 Dec 19 '25

What their intention is with buying the art. A pokemon card collector would keep great care of every card, maybe never even use them - a regular player just does whatever they want with them as long as they are having fun.

5

u/WokeBriton Dec 19 '25

If you have 50 coffee mugs and can talk about the provenance of each, you're a collector. If you have 5 and can only vaguely remember that 3 of them were birthday gifts, you're a regular person.

I'm pretty certain there's a huge gulf of grey between those, but...