Controversies of this type are now becoming common when it comes to non-fungible tokens (NFTs). How far can we exploit the work of an artist to generate income, sometimes consequently? This is the question that Picasso’s heirs have been facing these last weeks. Here is a look at what happened.
Controversy around NFTs linked to Picasso
Profiting from the work of a deceased artist is already a thorny issue in the art world. Add to that a technology that sometimes attracts criticism – NFTs – and you have the perfect mix to create a controversy around one of the most recognized artists of all time: Picasso.
The story begins like this: Picasso’s great-grandson, Florian, proposed NFTs based on the work of the famous artist earlier this month, in association with his mother Marina Picasso. But this was not to the liking of the Picasso Administration, which manages the rights to his work and is headed by his son Claude. It had clarified in a statement that these would not be official works of the artist, and only a personal work of Florian.
On Nifty Gateway, the platform where the NFTs are available, an informative message put some distance between the tokens and the artist:
“This NFT is the personal creation of Marina and Florian Picasso – it is not related to Pablo Picasso, his name, and his work.”
An agreement found with the family?
Marina Picasso released a statement yesterday, where she explains the process that she and her son have undertaken. In particular the scuffle that took place with the rest of the family:
“Unfortunately our words were not reported properly, and in relation to some members of my family who already had a difference of opinion, there was really an amalgam.”
Marina Picasso announces however that she now has the support of her uncle, Claude Picasso. The son of the painter would have given his approval for these creations. As a result, Marina and Florian Picasso “intend to continue producing NFTs”.
This is not the first controversy of this type around NFTs linked to great cultural figures such as Picasso. The question arises: how far can one profit from the work of a deceased artist? If Marina Picasso explains that she is in the process of celebrating her grandfather, one can wonder about the numerous projects of this type that are currently flourishing. Is it a real tribute or is it a lure? In the world of NFTs, we know where the scales often tip.
