Issue No. 045 · Story 03 · August 26, 2026

Oasis Photograph Sparks Fine-Art Copyright Case

Photographer Justin Thomas sued artist Elizabeth Peyton, Sotheby's, and David Zwirner Gallery over a painting based on his 1995 photograph of Oasis brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher kissing.

§Thomas alleges that the painting copied the photograph's composition, poses, expressions, lighting, hand placement, and other creative choices.
§The painting sold at Sotheby's in May for $1.92 million with fees.
§The complaint asserts claims against Peyton for creating the painting and against Sotheby's and the gallery for reproducing, displaying, and distributing it.
§Thomas says he learned of the painting only after Sotheby's sought a license to use his photograph in the auction catalog.

THE TAKEAWAY

The case connects music photography, fine art, auction sales, and online promotion. It also separates ownership of a physical painting from the copyright questions raised by creating and reproducing the image.

Source: Copyright Lately

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