Artist Accuses AI Firm of Art Theft

KC Green, the creator of the widely recognized "This is fine" meme, has accused AI startup Artisan of using his artwork without consent. An advertisement featuring Green's iconic image, with a modified caption about an "on fire" pipeline and promoting an AI BDR, was reportedly placed in a subway station.

Green stated he never agreed to this usage and believes his art was stolen, comparing it to how AI allegedly appropriates content. He encouraged people to vandalize the ad if they encountered it. Artisan initially responded by saying they respected Green's work and were in contact with him.

This incident follows previous controversies involving Artisan's ads, including a billboard that suggested "Stop hiring humans." Green emphasized his frustration, noting that he must now dedicate time to legal proceedings instead of his creative work. He asserted that AI companies are not above the law and that memes do not originate from nothing.