Books in the MCL: Protecting Art in the Street: A Guide to Copyright in Street Art and Graffiti. Enrico Bonadio

Enrico Bonadio. Protecting Art in the Street: A Guide to Copyright in Street Art and Graffiti. 2020

Enrico Bonadio, a seasoned expert in copyright law, delves into the complexities of legal rights surrounding street art and graffiti in this insightful book, “Protecting Art in the Street.” Accompanied by a foreword from renowned graffiti writer, artist, and historian Zephyr, the book serves as a thorough and accessible guide for artists in understanding and navigating copyright laws.

Bonadio underscores the heightened vulnerability of street art and graffiti to unauthorized use and exploitation. He highlights that these art forms, often placed in public spaces, face greater risks of misappropriation and destruction compared to traditional fine art. This vulnerability, he points out, has led to an increase in legal actions against those who commercialize these works without the artists’ consent or proper compensation.

Drawing from his rich experience in areas known for their vibrant street art culture, like East London’s Shoreditch, Bonadio emphasizes the necessity of legal protection for street art, even when it is created outside legal boundaries. He challenges the misconception that the public placement of these artworks equates to relinquishing copyright protection, asserting that artists still hold rights over their creations.

The book offers practical guidance for street artists and graffiti writers seeking to use copyright law to protect their work. Bonadio clarifies legal implications of public space art and delineates the rights artists maintain over their work, including commissioned and illegally produced pieces. He also explores strategies for opposing the destruction or removal of art and suggests ways for artists to derive value from their creations.

A significant quantity of arguments has arisen in the 2020’s as a result of the impact of landmark cases like the 5Pointz dispute in New York, where street and graffiti artists were awarded damages under the US Visual Artists Rights Act (VARA). While not directly related in all aspects to Bonadio’s arguments, this case and others that are similar underscore a narrowing gap between street art and fine art in legal terms, challenging previously held perceptions about graffiti and street art and suggesting codified legal avenues for offering protection.

“Protecting Art in the Street” transcends being a legal guide; it represents Bonadio’s scholarship and advocacy for artists’ rights. His research illuminates the growing relevance of copyright law to street art and graffiti and asserts its right to the same protections as other forms of creative expression that are more traditionally prized institutionally. The book is an essential resource for artists, legal practitioners, and art enthusiasts, providing a comprehensive understanding of the legal landscape for street art and graffiti. Bonadio’s work reminds readers of the importance of legal awareness in these artistic communities, underscoring his commitment to supporting artists and their creative freedoms.

            Text Steven P. Harrington and Jaime Rojo      Fotos Eveline Wilson