Kelly Reemtsen Sues David Salle Over Copyright Infringement of 'Hatchet' Painting
Artist Kelly Reemtsen has initiated a federal lawsuit against David Salle for allegedly infringing on her copyright. Filed on June 22 in the Central District of California, the lawsuit claims Salle's 2025 piece 'Hatchet' copies elements from her works 'Impact' and 'It's All Black and White' without authorization. Reemtsen demands compensation, any profits from 'Hatchet,' and an end to its sale or showing, along with its potential transfer or destruction. 'Hatchet' debuted during Salle's 'My Frankenstein' exhibition at Sprüth Magers in February 2025, igniting discussions on artistic appropriation in the context of AI-generated art.
Key facts
- Kelly Reemtsen filed a federal copyright infringement lawsuit against David Salle.
- The lawsuit alleges Salle's painting 'Hatchet' copied from Reemtsen's 'Impact' and 'It's All Black and White'.
- Filed on June 22 in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.
- The complaint seeks damages, profits, an injunction, and transfer or destruction of 'Hatchet'.
- 'Hatchet' was first exhibited in Salle's solo show 'My Frankenstein' at Sprüth Magers Los Angeles in February 2025.
- Salle used a generative AI model trained on his own work to create the painting.
- Social media users compared 'Hatchet' to 'Impact' shortly after its display.
- Salle is a leading figure of the Pictures Generation.
Entities
Artists
- Kelly Reemtsen
- David Salle
Institutions
- Sprüth Magers Los Angeles
- U.S. District Court for the Central District of California
Locations
- Los Angeles
- California