Sigmar Polke, Sauberes Auto,

Gute Laune (Clean Car, High

Spirits)

As an example of early
appropriation, Polke,
working in his style of
“Capitalist Realism,”
offered an ironic
critique of consumerism
in post-war Germany. Some
of his best-known works
were his collages of
imagery from popular
culture and advertising.

Shepard Fairey, AP V. Fairey

The famous street artist was sued by the AP

for his appropriation of a photograph of
Barack Obama that the artist used to create
the iconic “HOPE” poster for Obama’s
presidential campaign. The case eventually
settled, but the questions raised regarding
the limits of fair use continue.