Artist Suing FIFA over Destruction of Dallas Whale Mural Before World Cup
Wyland says the repainting destroyed his 1999 mural and seeks $25 million under federal visual artists rights law.
- On Monday, environmental artist Robert Wyland filed a lawsuit in Texas federal court against FIFA, seeking at least $25 million in damages for allegedly destroying his iconic downtown Dallas whale mural without consent.
- The 17,000-square-foot mural titled 'Ocean Life,' also known as Whaling Wall 82, was painted in 1999 on the Texas Utilities Building at 505 N. Akard St., serving as a conservation landmark for nearly 30 years.
- Wyland alleges the defendants violated the federal Visual Artists Rights Act after work crews covered the artwork in blue paint last month without notifying or consulting him.
- FIFA spokespeople did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Tuesday, while an online petition calling for a new mural site has gathered more than 2,600 signatures.
- As Dallas prepares to host nine World Cup matches as one of 16 host cities beginning later this month, Wyland's attorney stated the case is 'about integrity of the artwork and of the law.
72 Articles
72 Articles
FIFA Spat Over Dallas Whale Mural Tests Power of Artists’ Rights
A dispute over the destruction of a nearly 30-year-old mural in downtown Dallas ahead of the FIFA World Cup is bringing to light a law at the intersection of intellectual property and real estate rights.
The artist who painted a giant mural in a building in downtown Dallas with real-sized whales appearing swimming filed a $25 million lawsuit against FIFA and others, claiming that they illegally painted on his work to promote the upcoming World Cup matches in the city. Wyland claims that he hand-painted the extensive mural, which covered approximately 1,580 square meters on two of the walls of the building. The mural remained almost three decades…
Artist Files $25 Million Lawsuit Against FIFA For Painting Over Whale Mural In Dallas
An artist is suing FIFA for $25 million after someone painted over his mural on a building in downtown Dallas before the World Cup. Robert Wyland hand-painted the massive mural, which stretched over 17,000 square feet across two walls of a structure. Wyland, who goes by only his last name, filed the lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Dallas on Monday, claiming that the building’s owner, management company, and World Cup organizers covered his mur…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 44% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
