The NFT world has been rocked by controversy once again, with the release of the Outlaws NFT collection being accused of using copycat artwork. Some collectors have criticized the project’s creative approach, claiming it is too similar to the work of artist Jeremy Booth, who is well-known in the NFT space for his minimalist and cinematic approach to Western-themed art.
One self-described NFT artist named Sadboi expressed feeling “conflicted” over the Outlaws project, describing it as an “obvious reproduction” of Booth’s work. However, others, such as the pseudonymous art curator Artifaction², have suggested that accusations of plagiarism are overblown and that Western-style art has a long history that predates both Booth and Outlaws.
Outlaws has responded to the allegations of plagiarism, stating that its style and inspiration were drawn from a diverse range of artists, including Frederic Remington, Charles Marion Russell, and Albert Bierstadt, as well as iconic Western films such as “The Good, The Bad and The Ugly” and “The Magnificent Seven.” According to the Outlaws Twitter account, the project made it clear that it was not affiliated with Jeremy Booth’s work and did not attempt to represent itself. The account also highlighted other artists, including Malika Favre and Levente Szabo, as influencers of the PFP collection’s flat style.
Booth has made it clear that he is not affiliated with Outlaws, and while he acknowledged that the release of the project had an impact on him, he has chosen to “be better than bitter” and focus on creating more Western art.
The controversy surrounding Outlaws highlights the complexities and sensitivities of the NFT art scene, where the speculative nature of many projects can bring heightened awareness to similarities between different artists.
Artistic inspiration is a topic that has been contested for centuries, and it is no different in the world of NFTs. This controversy brings to light the challenges faced by artists, collectors, and platform providers when navigating the line between inspiration and copying. As more and more artists join the NFT space, it is essential to establish clear guidelines on what constitutes plagiarism and what constitutes inspiration. However, this is no easy task and can be compounded by the difficulty of identifying original work when anything can be copied with ease with technology.
In the case of Outlaws, it is unclear whether the project intentionally copied elements of Jeremy Booth’s work or if it was a case of the artist’s style being so prevalent in the Western-themed art world that it crept into Outlaws’ designs. By referencing other artists and stating that Booth’s work was not affiliated, Outlaws has taken steps to reassure the community that it did not intentionally plagiarize any specific person’s work.
However, the debate raises larger questions about the originality of NFT art in a world where everyone can access and remix digital resources. While inspiration and gaining inspiration from pre-existing art and artists is one thing, blatant copying is quite another. The argument is that true originality is rare and every artist would have to draw inspiration from something to create their unique styles.
In the end, the NFT community will need to find a way to maintain the delicate balance between drawing inspiration from others and outright copying one’s work. Setting clear guidelines for distinguishing between the two and educating creators on the difference is necessary for creating a robust NFT ecosystem that fosters both creativity and respect for intellectual property.
The Outlaws incident should serve as a reminder of the responsibility that artists, collectors, and platforms have in protecting and respecting each other’s works’ intellectual property. In the rapidly evolving and unregulated world of NFTs, it is up to every player to do their part in ensuring the sustainability and legitimacy of the space.
Overall, the Outlaws controversy illustrates that while the NFT art scene is relatively new, it is essential to establish ethical standards and guidelines to support the community’s growth and reputation. It is uncertain what the future holds for NFTs, but what is clear is that the community must take measures to ensure transparency, creativity, and respect in the years to come.
