Legal Advice for Artists

Eric Schrijver graduated in Graphic Design at the Faculty of Fine Arts of the University College Ghent (KASK).

Legal Advice for Artists is an irreverent guide to copyright — a renowned double-edged sword for artists and designers. On the one hand, makers can benefit from the protection that copyright offers, while on the other, it problematizes the creative process because copyright limits the possibilities for building upon the work of others.

‘No Known Restrictions: The Public Domain’ is a sample chapter from Schrijver’s upcoming publication, Legal Advice for Artists. This chapter focuses on cultural works whose copyright has expired. While these works are a rich source for continued artistic creation, cultural institutions and the copyright heirs are reluctant to give up their control over this heritage.

Schrijver created a series of postcards intended to be an educational tool and a legal precedent. With the postcards, he brings attention to how the act of publishing can shape the legal frameworks of copyright. Schrijver, therefore, reveals how the implications of legal rights are up for debate. With this project, he encourages artists to take part in discussions about copyright.