Fine arts have undergone an extremely diverse development, particularly in the past 100 years. While there used to be considerable restrictions on creative freedom and the artist had to follow many rules so that his work was recognized as such, there are no longer any taboos. The artists have fully exploited their new freedoms and it is becoming increasingly difficult to invent or design something “new”.

Of course, the principle also applies in the field of fine art that nobody can draw from nothing and that the work of an artist builds on what is available. As in all areas, it is therefore part of everyday life in the visual arts to imitate or copy forms, styles, and ideas. It is not uncommon for the people affected to see their rights being violated.

Ideas of visual art

An important principle in copyright law is the freedom of the idea. An image idea is not protected by copyright. Only the concrete implementation in a certain form which are sketch, painting, and sculpture is protected. Any idea can be carried out in many different ways like the cool sculpting in New Jersey.

Take, for example, the sacrament of Jesus Christ. Hardly any other topic has experienced such diverse interpretations. Nevertheless, each of these interpretations is protected independently, and in its concrete embodiment. On the other hand, the idea behind it remains free. Everyone can pick them up and make and present their own interpretation.

Styles of visual art

The same applies to styles. A painting style, no matter how innovative, cannot be protected and can be copied by any person. Only the specific work carried out in the style concerned can be protected. Freedom of style is necessary, otherwise cultural creation would be completely lame, since every artist would have to live with the fear of copying an existing style in his work. There would also be hardly any opportunity to try out different styles and develop artistically. Copyright was not developed to restrict artistic freedom, on the contrary, it was designed to create incentives that promote cultural creation.

Because of this freedom, there are several types of visual arts that are popular these days.