A recent painting by David Salle, featured in his exhibition at Sprüth Magers in Los Angeles, has been taken down following concerns regarding potential copyright infringement. The artwork, titled Hatchet (2025), depicts a woman in a striking black-and-white dress wielding a sledgehammer, with her face partially obscured. This exhibition, named "My Frankenstein," debuted on February 24, and quickly sparked conversations on social media about its similarities to Kelly Reemtsen's Impact (2021).
The Minneapolis-based artist Josie Lewis raised questions in a viral video, asking whether Salle had appropriated Reemtsen's concept or if it was merely innocent borrowing. Reemtsen subsequently shared this video on her Instagram, although she chose not to comment further.
Salle, an influential figure associated with the Pictures Generation--a collective of artists from the late 20th century--has a history of integrating various visual elements from popular culture and advertising into his work. This practice, often labeled as appropriation art, has occasionally led to disputes over originality. For instance, artist Richard Prince has faced legal challenges regarding his Canal Zone series, which incorporated photographs without permission.
In a statement, gallery owners Monika Sprüth and Philomene Magers acknowledged Salle's tradition of drawing inspiration from diverse sources, stating that his latest exhibition continues this dialogue. They emphasized that the decision to remove the painting was made with respect for both artists involved and to foster a meaningful discussion about authorship.
Salle has been experimenting with artificial intelligence in his latest works, collaborating with an engineer to develop a generative AI model based on his previous creations. This innovative approach has allowed him to explore new artistic territories while also raising questions about the implications of technology in art.
Legal expert Amy Adler noted that if the dispute were to escalate to litigation, Salle might struggle to defend his work under the fair use doctrine, given the evident similarities between the two pieces. Adler mentioned that several factors would influence the court's decision, including the transformation of the original image and the market positioning of both artists.
Despite the removal of the painting, both Salle and the gallery view this incident as an opportunity to engage in a broader conversation about the evolving nature of creativity and the impact of AI on artistic expression. The exhibition aims to reflect on the challenges and possibilities inherent in embracing new technologies.
In a previous interview, Salle described his experience of training AI to create images as a rewarding process that enhanced his artistic responsiveness. He emphasized the importance of the creative mark, suggesting that the essence of art lies in the relationship between the artist and the medium.