This is a disturbing story developing in the Norfolk/Hampton Roads artistic community. The details, originally brought to light by OldSouthHigh.com, tell us that Norfolk based artist Rashidi Barrett, a rising art star, essentially stole his entire career. Barrett had established himself as an up-and-coming figure in the local scene, but it all came flying apart when, at his third solo show at Harrisonburg art gallery Artful Dodger, someone noticed that one of his pieces (shown below) looked familiar.
A painting by Brazilian artist Matheus Lopez Castro, along with a suspiciously similar painting by Barrett
And it wasn't the only one. Here is the flyer for the show:
Left: an illustration by New Zealand artist Andrew Archer. Right: a flyer for one of Barrett's Artful Dodger shows featuring a painting displayed in that show
And this beautiful piece was almost an exact copy as well.
Top: a Barrett painting shown at the Dodger; Bottom: three illustrations by Polish artist Adrian Knopik, arranged in the order they appear in the Barrett painting
After the gallery owner was contacted, he did some research and found that the majority of the pieces on display were indeed stolen from other artists. He confronted Barrett directly, and took down the show. The story broke first on OldSouthHigh.com, then was picked up by HamptonRoads.com. Sometime after the first article was published, Rashidi Barrett issued this apology on his facebook (not publicly viewable):
"My acts are indefensible. All of the artists involved have been contacted in recent days with regards to the news. I can't apologize enough to those I've affected. I was in the wrong and am doing everything I can to make right by all of the mistakes I've done. Again, I am truly sorry. I regretfully write and apologize to those that I have impacted through showing, displaying and selling of specific artwork that was partially or in whole not from my conception or excogitation. I have taken immediate actions to rectify this situation to the best of my abilities, inclusive of drafting letters of apology to art galleries affected, direct communication with originating artists and apprising them of specific information and events derived from this experience. Sincere apologies have also been extended to the “Art Community” for which has supported me and provided me with an opportunity to succeed."
Barrett has since explained the situation in his own words in an extensive interview with AltDaily's Hannah Serrano. In the interview, he claims that some of his pieces were original, but that a lack of time to complete commissioned work is what originally led to the thefts. He tells Serrano that he's "done as an artist. And as a musician. Done."
It's hard not to feel bad for the guy, but at the same time I have never seen such a blatant disregard for originality and the rights of other artists. I understand and can relate to the pressure of having to sell your creativity, but this is not the way to go about it. It brings up a ton of questions about integrity and originality, and is a black eye for the growing Norfolk Arts Community. I leave it up to you to make your own judgements, but it is my hope that Barrett learns from this and can find something positive in this situation.