Forsythe’s offending pictures, as well as other work that has caused havoc in courts around the country, is featured in a new exhibit called “Illegal Art” at the Art and Culture Center of Hollywood (1650 Harrison St.). “As America is becoming more and more corporate,” says Samantha Salzinger, curator of exhibitions, “copyright law is becoming stricter and more problematic for artists.” Pieces in the show include Pez dispensers made in the likeness of Tupac, Eazy-E, and Biggie Smalls, along with letters that artist Packard Jennings sent to Pez Candy, Inc. proposing that the company mass-manufacture his designs. Bill Barminski’s "Mickey Gas Mask” is included, as are photos of corporate signs that David Byrne (of the Talking Heads) took and passed on to artist Danielle Spencer to alter. There’s an image of the Seven Dwarves in an orgy; a “Mussolini doll” that an artist packaged, planted in Wal-Mart, and then bought; and fake stamps that were actually sent through the mail. “All the pieces in the show,” says Salzinger, “infringe on copyright laws in one way or another. Many have been part of lawsuits. Some have won, and some have lost.”
“Illegal Art” opens Saturday and runs through April 2. Call 954-921-3274, or visit www.artandculturecenter.org.
Feb. 4-April 2
