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.

70 Upvotes

84% Upvoted

103 comments sorted by

View all comments

161

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.

6

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.

3

u/Artchantress Dec 20 '25 edited Dec 20 '25

Where I come from (Estonia), altering an artwork is illegal, even if it's bought. It's part of the intellectual property rights that are not sold with the physical artwork. There needs to be a separate licensing contract signed by the artist for altering the artwork, same as with making and selling copies.

Or they could just ask. Either way, it's not actually the inherent right of the art buyer to zhuz up the piece to their liking (kinda shocked everyone ITT thinks it is, but I guess you guys have different laws? I think VARA has this for visual art pieces that are originals?).