Disney accused of copying Alice in Wonderland artwork

Artist Katie Woodger has complained that Disney used an image she created in 2010 without her consent, according to io9.

 

Woodger’s illustration, entitled “Painting the Roses Red”, features Alice of Lewis Carroll’s timeless classic, Alice in Wonderland. As can be seen in the picture above, Disney has apparently used her artwork on two of its merchandise: a cosmetic bag and a t-shirt. Though the image on the t-shirt looks more cartoonish, it still bears a striking resemblance to Woodger’s work.

 

Woodger claims Disney did not credit her for the art.

 

On her Tumbler account, a noticeably upset Woodger spoke at length about the experience. According to her, the painting was created in 2010 and was one of her favorites. People loved her illustration so much that at least nine had it tattooed on their bodies.

 

“I’m so mad because I have no chance at getting Disney to do anything about it. I had so much respect for the company and now I am just SO upset and disappointed,” said Woodger.

 

A visit to Disney’s website reveals that the merchandise in question have been removed from their online shop. Woodger has since then made attempts to contact Disney, but has yet to receive any word from the animation industry giant.

 

GMA News Online has, however, received the following statement from Marisa Martinez, the Disney Store PR Associate:

 

 

Art Theft in the Digital Age

 

Online art theft is a troubling phenomenon in the age of digital art. According to Artpromotivate, artists commonly discover their works being displayed on other websites without their permission. At other times, the theft is more sinister in nature, with the stolen works being sold on postcards, posters, etc. In some instances, companies, believing an illustration to be an original work of their employers, end up using it on their products.

 

Commenters have been discussing the matter over at Cartoon Brew. Some postulate that it is possible a designer at Disney might have come across Woodger’s painting and, mistaking it for an older, public domain illustration due to its Victorian-inspired style, acquired it for Disney’s use.

 

Others, however, are less forgiving, stating that even if Disney was ignorant of the painting’s modern origin, what the company committed is still copyright infringement and a direct violation of intellectual property law.

 

“Painting the Roses Red” and Woodger’s other works can be found in her DeviantArt gallery. — TJD, GMA News