djnada
15th January 2005, 04:18 PM
I am working on a documentary on the art scene in New York. I have footage of a prominent art critic who slanders an artist. The artist died of AIDS and was monumental in the scene. The critic was stalking the artist and his advances were spurned. The artist actually published the whole fiasco in The East Village Eye. The critic was performing a poetry reading at a space that I ran and directed. He got quite drunk while reading. He was absolutely cognizant of the camera, which amplified his performance. I believe that, as this particular critic has conistently derided the art scene of that time, in venues such as ArtForum, that it is within my legal bounds to include this footage in a documentary which explores the "rise and fall" of this scene, as critics such as the one in question were instrumental to the fall. The documentary uses archival footage from the 80s East Village and is loosely based on the written thesis which I have previously posted. The critic is relatively "public," since he is a well known personality in NYC. I cannot afford legal help in this, but are there any informaed opinions? Thanks in advance.