Skip to content

Forgot To Think

Interesting Stories From All Over The World

Menu
  • About Us
  • DMCA/Removal
  • Privacy Policy
  • Submit Content
Menu
developer erases graffiti art

Developer Faces $6.7 Million Judgment After Erasing 45 Works Of Celebrated Graffiti Art Overnight

Posted on February 17, 2018February 16, 2018 by Sasha

Brooklyn federal-court Judge Frederic Block angrily ordered developer Gerald Wolkoff to cough up $6.7 million after he erased about 45 works overnight. Wolkoff has been tagged with a judgment for whitewashing the “formidable” work of 21 graffiti artists on the iconic 5 Pointz warehouse in Queens.

developer erases graffiti art

“The shame of it all is that since 5 Pointz was a prominent tourist attraction, the public would undoubtedly have thronged to say its goodbyes during those 10 months and gaze at the formidable works of aerosol art for the last time,” Block wrote in his decision. “It would have been a wonderful tribute to the artists that they richly deserved.”

The jurist said that Wolkoff’s rash decision to ignore the legal proceeding and take matters into his own hands had sealed his fate and prompted the whopping judgment.

developer erases graffiti art

All of the artists sued him under a 1990 law, the Visual Rights Act, which protects works that are considered notable.

“If not for Wolkoff’s insolence, these damages would not have been assessed,” Block said. “If he did not destroy 5 Pointz until he received his permits and demolished it 10 months later, the Court would not have found that he had acted willfully.”

Block applauded the artists for carrying themselves “with dignity” throughout the case.

The court’s decision follows a three-week trial in November in which lawyers for Wolkoff unsuccessfully argued that the graffiti artists should have known better than to paint the site, given its slated fate.

5 Pointz was torn down in 2014, and the land that once housed the famed painted warehouse is now home to two luxury high-rise residential towers.

If you know someone who might like this, please click “Share!”

©2023 Forgot To Think | Design: Newspaperly WordPress Theme
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
Cookie SettingsAccept All
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT