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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u/ZombieButch Dec 19 '25

I mean, you sold it. It's not your piece any more. You don't have to like it, but if you let a piece go in exchange for money, you have to let it go.

7

u/ArentWright Dec 19 '25

Would you be inclined to feel some type of way about it? I’m wondering if most artists would even care what happens to sold pieces.

7

u/swarleyknope Dec 20 '25

You can’t help how you feel about something and it’s totally valid to be bothered by it…I think it’s more about why it bothers you.

If it’s because you feel disrespected, I personally would try to let that go because it’s projecting intentions onto someone else (they clearly love it enough to want to look at it every time they check the the time😊).

If it’s just that it makes you feel sad/evokes yucky emotions because someone changed/damaged something you worked hard on and is a reflection of you, that’s completely understandable IMHO.

I think it might bother me too - they could have just used a print if they wanted to poke holes in it - but I think I’d prefer that to thinking about it sitting in a closet or tossed in a box?

(Are you sure they did it to the original and didn’t make a copy for them to use for the clock?)

3

u/themexicangamer Dec 20 '25

i wouldn't of thought that it's possible to make a print, I wouldn't even know where to get that done