André Komatsu seeks credit for unauthorized use of “Concrete Dissemination” work in “Tailor Swif” video
Extrajudicial notification
Brazilian visual artist André Komatsu has served an out-of-court notice on the production company, directors Vania Heymann and Gal Muggia and the agency A$AP Rocky, accusing the rapper of copyright infringement. Komatsu claims the work “Concrete Dissemination,” created in 2006 during a residency at the Pampulha Art Museum, was reproduced without permission in the video for “Tailor Swif,” competing for the 2025 Grammys in the Best Music Video category. The notification was sent after the audiovisual production, launched in August and recorded in Ukraine, featured an installation visually similar to the Brazilian’s work.
Brazilian labor and copyright laws
The work in question, represented in the video by the silhouette of a man formed by stones arranged under a t-shirt and jeans, refers directly to Komatsu’s installation. The artist’s lawyers argue that the reproduction violates Brazilian and American copyright laws, as well as the Berne Convention. The notification requests that Komatsu be credited and that Rihanna’s partner and others responsible post an official clarification on their social networks.
“The damages resulting from the failure to grant the license of the work ‘Concrete Dissemination’ (2006) or even from the mention and credits for the use of works protected by copyright are well known and also represent a form of enrichment through use of commitment on the part of the copyright holder of original authorship”, reads the notification sent on Monday (11/11) by the artist’s lawyers.
Impact and possible prosecution
Komatsu, whose works are part of the collections of renowned institutions such as New York’s MoMA and London’s Tate Modern, said his piece was widely circulated on social media and art channels in Brazil and abroad. “‘Concrete Dissemination’ is a work that has been widely disseminated on social media and various artistic channels in Brazil and abroad. It has even become a meme,” commented the artist.
The Brazilian underlined that what he is looking for above all is respect for paternity, specifying that, if there is no friendly response, he can take the case to court. “It’s not a question of money, but of respect for the authorship of the work. I don’t want to lick others. I only want what’s mine.”
Source: Terra
Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.
