Key Takeaways
- The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is facing backlash for using a Japanese artist’s work without permission to promote deportations
- The artist, Hiroshi Nagai, is known for his city pop and dreamscape artwork and has spoken out against the unauthorized use of his image
- This is not the first incident of DHS using artists’ work without consent, with previous examples including the use of Thomas Kinkade’s paintings and pop songs by Olivia Rodrigo and Sabrina Carpenter
- The use of these artworks has been widely criticized, with many accusing DHS of promoting division, xenophobia, and racism
- The incidents have sparked a wider conversation about the use of art and media in promoting political agendas and the importance of obtaining consent from creators
Introduction to the Controversy
The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is facing criticism once again, this time from a Japanese artist who has condemned the agency for using his work without permission to promote deportations. In a post on social media, DHS shared a photo featuring a pristine and empty beach with palm trees and a vintage car, with the caption "America after 100 million deportations" and a separate message that said: "The peace of a nation no longer besieged by the third world." The image was created by Hiroshi Nagai, a 78-year-old Japanese graphic designer known for his city pop and dreamscape artwork.
The Artist’s Response
Nagai responded to DHS’s post, stating that the image was being used without his permission and asking what he should do about it. Nagai’s artwork is widely recognized for its distinctive style, which often features lush palm trees, serene ocean scenes, and dusky cityscapes, typically devoid of people. The use of his image by DHS has sparked outrage, with many accusing the agency of promoting a racist and xenophobic agenda. The Guardian has reached out to DHS for comment, but the agency has yet to respond.
Previous Incidents of Unauthorized Use
This is not the first incident of DHS using artists’ work without consent. Last July, the department shared a painting by Thomas Kinkade, an American artist known for his idyllic depictions of American life. The painting was posted on social media with the message "Protect the homeland," highlighting Kinkade’s mid-century suburban landscape, complete with schoolchildren, vintage cars, and people gathered around an American flag. The Kinkade Family Foundation issued a statement condemning DHS’s use of the painting, saying that it was unauthorized and that they had requested that the post be removed.
Music Artists Speak Out
DHS has also drawn criticism from pop stars for using their songs to promote deportation efforts in upbeat TikTok-style videos. Last November, Olivia Rodrigo criticized the White House for using her song "all american bitch" in a video encouraging undocumented immigrants to self-deport. Rodrigo wrote: "Don’t ever use my songs to promote your racist, hateful propaganda." In response, DHS said that America was grateful for its federal law enforcement officers and suggested that Rodrigo thank them for their service. A few weeks later, Sabrina Carpenter condemned the White House for using her song "Juno" to promote videos of immigration raids on social media.
The Broader Implications
The use of art and media to promote political agendas is a complex issue, and the incidents involving DHS have sparked a wider conversation about the importance of obtaining consent from creators. Many have accused DHS of using these artworks to promote division, xenophobia, and racism, and have criticized the agency for its lack of respect for the artists’ rights and intentions. The incidents have also highlighted the need for greater transparency and accountability in the use of social media and other forms of communication by government agencies. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how DHS will respond to the criticism and whether the agency will take steps to ensure that it obtains the necessary permissions and respects the rights of artists in the future.
Conclusion
The controversy surrounding DHS’s use of Hiroshi Nagai’s artwork is just the latest incident in a series of examples of the agency using artists’ work without consent. The use of these artworks has been widely criticized, with many accusing DHS of promoting a racist and xenophobic agenda. As the debate continues, it is clear that the use of art and media to promote political agendas is a complex issue that requires careful consideration and respect for the rights and intentions of creators. The incidents involving DHS serve as a reminder of the importance of transparency, accountability, and consent in the use of social media and other forms of communication by government agencies.