‘They picked the wrong artist’: How a Dallas mural cover-up led to a $25m lawsuit against Fifa

Robert Wyland’s depiction of ocean life was covered up for a World Cup promotion – now he wants retribution

‘They picked the wrong artist’: How a Dallas mural cover-up led to a $25m lawsuit against Fifa

TL;DR

  • Artist Robert Wyland is suing Fifa for $25 million after his Dallas mural 'Ocean Life' was painted over.
  • The mural was covered to make way for a new artwork promoting the upcoming Fifa World Cup.
  • Wyland alleges the destruction of his work violates the Visual Artists Rights Act (VARA).
  • The lawsuit aims to protect public art and assert artists' rights against powerful organizations.
  • There is a dispute among Fifa, the local organizing committee, and Dallas city agencies regarding who is responsible for the mural's removal.