The Trial of Sherrie Levine

So, you've been reading about Copyright law and Fair Use and we've had some interesting conversations in class about using other artists' work in our own art (appropriation.)

Now we are going to further explore Copyright law by staging a mock trial of a modern artist, Sherrie Levine. Levine's artwork is well-known for her use of pop culture and master art images, and we are going to pretend in class that the artists whose work she appropriated are not happy about it and are suing. You will each be given a role to play in the trial, and must research your case so that you can present it in our mock trial. (Jurors, you will have to educate yourselves on both sides of the issue!)

All the information you will need can be found at this website:
Innocent or Guilty -- Deciding the Fate of Sherrie Levine. (Special thanks to Craig Roland of Art Junction for sharing this lesson plan!)

We go to trial on Monday, and I'll be the judge! You'd better have a good case, and argue it well in front of your jury. An artist's livlihood hangs in the balance! :)