Synopsis:

Features the traveling art exhibit Illegal Art: Freedom of Expression in the Corporate Age during an exhibition at the Art and Culture Center of Hollywood, Hollywood, FL. Curated by Carrie McLaren the multi-media show illustrates the gray areas of U.S. copyright law and “fair use” which is essential to artists’ abilities to both critique and create culture.

According to the show’s curator Carrie McLaren, Illegal Art: Freedom of Expression in the Corporate Age, was intended to be a one time event in New York City. However, news of the show quickly spread which led to the exhibit touring nationally. Works in the exhibit include film, video, audio, and visual art pieces such as altered photos of corporate signs, Pez Candy dispensers for fallen rappers, remixed CNN footage of George W. Bush and the Teletubbies, and Barbie Dolls in blenders.

In addition to Carrie McLaren’s commentary on the show, artist Heidi Cody—whose piece American Alphabet is featured in the show—shares her perspective on the importance of protecting artists’ abilities to critique consumer culture.

The short also includes remixed interview footage from Copyright, Culture (Remixed) Volume 1 with NYC visual artist Joy Garnett, Brooklyn based visual artist Eric Doeringer and NYC art lawyer John Koegel.