ANIMAL » BAXTER ORR

AP To Shepard Fairey: No You Can’t

ANIMAL — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 01:33:25 +0000

As you may have heard, some graphic sleuths reverse engineered the now iconic and Smithsonian housed “HOPE” illustration that Shepard Fairey created for Barack Obama’s presidential campaign and discovered that it was copied from a photograph taken by Associated Press employee Manny Garcia in 2006. Well the news disseminating wire service isn’t so happy about the infraction and decided to get all gangster on the infamous wheatpasting artist, by suing him, demanding “credit and compensation.” The AP is claiming copyright infringement while Fairey’s high profile lawyer says it’s protected under fair use statutes.

This latest bit of legal drama has reignited the controversy over Shepard’s tendency to steal and slightly modify images that he does not credit and will no doubt give even more credence to Mark Vallen’s theory—which despite its flaws—makes a hell of a lot more sense than this piss poor attempt. Either way, this will be an interesting case to follow and judging from the preliminary facts, the AP certainly has a stronger case against Shepard than he did when he sued graphic designer Baxter Orr back in April of last year for the same thing.

Designer Parodies Shepard Fairey In Political Campaigning Too

ANIMAL — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 21:48:01 +0000

Not only does OBEY enhancing graphic designer Baxter Orr parody the artwork of Shepard Fairey, but like the controversial artist, he’s also decided to help prop up his presidential candidate, in this case, old man McCain. Orr licensed his Obama-DOPE design to the ring wing’s seller of swag AuthenticGOP.com. Basically he took the original image and slightly altered it to make way for this t-shirt design that now features the Democratic presidential candidate, but with the words NOPE plastered across the front. Unfortunately, the imagery doesn’t do the same justice as the cocaine nose encrusted one, and in all likelihood won’t help the Republican candidate—only a terrorist attack can do that at this point. Plus, regardless of the message, if someone sports a portrait of Obama on their chest, are they not just promoting his brand anyway? Side by side comparisons of the two images after the jump.

‘Shepard the Fairey Has A Pussy’ Sticker

ANIMAL — Wed, 28 May 2008 02:38:53 +0000

While some eager graphic designers, like Baxter Orr, like to take subtle jabs at Shepard Fairey, others go right for the jugular.This parody of the artist’s famed ‘Andre the Giant has a posse’ sticker was spotted in Philly and takes a shot at the man himself, depicting a stencil-like image of the propagandist. Chances are that this take down ain’t making the bootlegs section of the Obey site. |IHateAlex|
Photo: |LunaPark|

There’s Still ‘Hope’ for Numerous Parodies

ANIMAL — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 03:35:57 +0000

Shepard Fairey has created a monster. What began as a simple campaign poster for Barack Obama has evolved into a parody enabler. Baxter Orr peddled “DOPE,” and hell, even we offered up “POPE.” But it didn’t stop there. One artist took aim at Hillary with his wonderfully accurate “BITCH” print, while the neocons are turning up the heat, and Obama’s nose with their “SNOB” and “ARUGULA” images. The good news is that no one cares enough about McCain to even bother creating anything—except for this guy of course. |Kickcernak| Jockohomo|

Shepard Fairey Declares Only He Can Copy and Paste

ANIMAL — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 23:50:06 +0000

Hate to say we told you so, but Shepard Fairey has just released an official statement owning up to the cease and desist notice that was sent to OBEY takedown artist Baxter Orr concerning this design. According to Shepard, Baxter has been involved in some “shady dealings” and reselling schemes of OBEY art on eBay. What that has to do with parody, Shepard only knows, but it seems awfully contradictory for an artist who’s made a name for himself by copying others to rail against another one that does the same. Read the full statement after the jump.

To all concerned:
Baxter Orr was sent a cease and desist letter by Obey Giant in regards to his use of the Obey “Icon Face” graphic. This graphic is a registered trademark and I selectively enforce this trademark based on the nature of the infringement. Frequently I do not respond negatively to parodies of Obey because I feel the artist doing the parody is philosophically aligned with Obey and parody is a valid part of pop culture dialog. I use parody and tribute often in my own work, so I obviously believe there is value to both. I have also had to deal with legal entanglements over the use of appropriated imagery and its interpretation as parody or infringement. Parody Vs. infringement is obviously an issue with many subtleties and grey areas. Referencing existing imagery is a risk every pop artist takes from Warhol to Koons to myself to Mr. Orr. Most of my pop art, fortunately, has been positively received by those being referenced, and many subjects have even commissioned authorized collaborations after seeing my tribute. Orr’s infringement is being pursued more because of his all around exploitative tendencies and foul nature rather than the seriousness of this specific infringement. I’m generally very tolerant of this sort of thing, but this is the straw that broke the camel’s back. Orr has been repeatedly revealed for selling Obey Giant prints on ebay which I have a policy against. I sell my prints under market value to insure that true fans of my work can acquire a print at a reasonable price. Orr has used pseudonyms and other shady tactics to get prints and sell them on ebay. Orr has been kicked off of an Obey Giant fan site for shady dealings. He has also made enemies with an Obey secondary market dealer for being untrustworthy. Orr is the type of bottom feeder who is often able to thrive because no one wants to take the time to deal with him. As you can see, he has tried to turn this present issue into publicity for himself. The resources it may require for me to pursue him will be much greater than any lost revenue from his print. I’m pursuing this out of principal. I have principals and Orr does not. A gross over-simplification of the situation could lead a lazy person to think that I’m a hypocrite for pursuing Orr because, in basic terms, we both use reinterpreted appropriated imagery. The key difference is in our motivations and my willingness to take responsibility for the things I do.
/ / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / /
Shepard Fairey
Founder & Creative
Studio Number One
Obey Giant Art Inc
1331 West Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026
[REDACTED] tel
213-213-0077 fax
shepard@[REDACTED]
www.studionumber-one.com
www.subliminalprojects.com
www.obeygiant.com
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|Previously|

It’s Time To Cease and Desist Speculation About Shepard Fairey C&D

ANIMAL — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 21:36:47 +0000

In an effort to quell any weekend rumor mongering and put the final nail in the coffin of street art conspiracy theorists, ANIMAL decided to post the full Cease and Desist, obviously this snippet wasn’t enough proof, that parody designer Baxter Orr received from Olivia Perches, Shepard Fairey’s Director of Finance—who by the way, still refuses to comment after more than a fair share of calls and emails. And you know that shit’s official when it comes branded with the OBEY Andre. Don’t act so surprised kids, corporations do this all the time, hell, Walmart tried to claim the smiley face. Thankfully, they lost. Now get over it and enjoy your weekend. |Previous|
(Click image for bigness)

Shepard Fairey Threatens To Sue Artist for OBEY Giant Parody

ANIMAL — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 11:20:36 +0000

Left: Baxter’s ‘Protect Yourself | Right: Shepard’s ‘OBEY Giant’

Self-professed ‘Propaganda Re-Engineer’ Baxter Orr is an Austin-based, 26-year-old freelance designer who has a penchant for making limited edition prints and parodying some of Shepard Fairey’s most iconic images from the Andre the Giant face to the pop artist’s most recent mainstream coup d’art: campaign posters for Obama. However, the artist that’s made quite a fortune by aggressively ~~plagiarizing~~ copying the works of others, is not so happy with the idea of Andre breathing through a SARS mask, and sent the young illustrator a cease & desist demanding he remove the “Protect Yourself” prints from his website, claiming it’s a clear copyright violation.
UPDATE: For you doubters and conspiracy theorists.

Left: Baxter’s ‘DOPE’ | Right: Shepard’s ‘HOPE’
Baxter has also raised a few eyebrows with his variation of Fairey’s ‘HOPE’ poster, instead creating a satirical, limited edition “DOPE” print that celebrates the presidential hopeful’s early experimentation with drugs. “I wanted to do the other side of Obama, the young crazy kid that did coke and shit,” says Baxter, “the flawed human.” He claims he was also motivated by the creative community’s “sheep-like” embracing of Obama, describing their blind affection as “follow the leader” adding “it gets a little frightening as even the “free thinking” artists are putting this guys picture in their home as if he is the next chairman Mao.”
In the meantime, the artist isn’t too worried, and is seeking some legal help—free if possible—to figure out his next moves. Baxter maintains that Shepard’s always been a big inspiration, and that his recreations are not malicious, but rather ironic, “I wanted to parody the guy who parodies everything. He’s based his career off this. If he gets mad at this, he’s become just like Tide detergent or Coca-Cola.”
Snippet of C&D:

(Click image for bigness)
“Protect Yourself”

A little Propaganda Re-Engineering. Signed (on front) and Stamped (on back) 1 color silkscreen print on archival white paper. 18X22 inches, $25.
“DOPE”

HOPE, CHANGE, DOPE! A satire on Barack Obama’s crazy past. This signed and numbered 3 color silkscreen print. Limited Edition of 250. 18X24 inches, $30. “We did blow when we could afford it.” -Barack Obama
See more of Baxter Orr’s work on his website: www.baxterorr.com
|Update|