Art / Street Art
Bristol artist Cheo ‘ripped off’ by Playmobil
The distinctive bee is a well-known calling card of Bristol street art Cheo.
So when a multinational toy manufacturer was looking for a background for a background for a set featuring a graffiti artist and a police officer, they could not have chosen a much more recognisable motif.
The only problem: Playmobil did not ask permission.
is needed now More than ever
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cd2nUAfIGd6/
Playmobil’s new ‘Policeman and Street Artist’ duopack is on sale now for $6.99 for ages four and up.
It contains one policeman and one “sprayer” alongside accessories: two spray cans, one cap, one police cap, one bandana, one flashlight, one holster and one gun.
Writing on Instagram, Cheo said: “Ripped off AGAIN… tired of this.”
Asked how a company such as Playmobil could get away with using his artwork without permission, Cheo replied: “not asking and just doing it, that’s the way they role (sic).”
Bristol24/7 have contacted Playmobil for comment.
Cheo in front of a painting commissioned for a Bristol24/7 magazine front cover in 2016 – photo: Upfest
Cheo’s distinctive bee on a t-shirt – photo: Cheo
Main photo: Playmobil
Read more:
- Bristol Museum artworks lovingly recreated in Playmobil
- Tiny tableaux on top of Bristol bus stop
- Transforming street furniture into amazing art
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