Baku, the artist Faig Ahmed (Faig Ahmed) from Baku famous for works made from ancient Azerbaijani carpets. It partially or completely dissolves them, cuts, weaves of them abstract patterns. Carpet — symbol of hearth and family traditions — is transformed in his hands at the art-объект.

And one of those art-объектов — Oiling (2012) —, the artist saw on a t-shirt British brand Topman, with more than 400 stores around the world (including in Moscow). The idea of the "melting" of carpet was stolen from him, says Faig Ahmed. Shortly after the announcement of the artist's t-shirt Faded Globe Black Blended Tank Vest" has disappeared from the Topman website.

"I have received offers of cooperation from designers and large companies, but always refused, since direct involvement in the mass production contradicts the principles of art — says Faig Ahmed. — One of the main ideas of my art is that I don't do it for money."

According to the artist, he was not surprised by the fact of plagiarism: with big companies it happens all the time (recall the recent the scandal with the firm ZARA, "borrowed" about 40 works by little-known artists for their things). But it is frustrating that the copy was done very carelessly and unprofessionally. But the people buying these t-shirts, most of them had never seen works by Faig Ahmed, and will not see this, because it is already in a private collection.

"of Course, it can affect the reputation of any artist. It gives an example to other big companies;, they can only follow the path Topman... And since these companies have huge financial possibilities, and the world is ruled by money, it seems to me that this is not the last event of unauthorized use", — commented Faig Ahmed. Official comments from Topman he had not yet achieved.

the Material was prepared by Maria Onuchina, AI

Sources: artnet.com, hyperallergic.com, artinvestment.ru