It’s been rough going for the man who some have called one of the most successful American artists of the 21st century.
Lithographer and T-shirt-maker Todd Goldman was discovered April 6 to have copied a piece by web cartoonist David “Shmorky” Kelly.As news of the allegations stirred up questions about whether Goldman had stolen from other, lesser-known artists, the local art community took stock.“I’m standing by Todd,” said S2 president and founder Jack Soloman. “I’ve investigated the situation thoroughly and decided it would be wrong to drop him.”Soloman, whose Jack Gallery locations in Fort Lauderdale and Los Angeles sold the original paintings last week, has been in touch with Goldman since the allegations broke and said Goldman decided to give the funds from the sale to Kelly’s chosen charity.“Goldman didn’t do it purposely,” Soloman said. Apparently an artist working for Goldman brought in the Kelly print. “Whatever he gets for the paintings, he will turn over to Kelly.”While the amount that the paintings sold for is unknown at this time, Soloman is quick to point out that he is disappointed in Goldman for allowing himself to get into this situation.“I’m not going to defend what [Goldman] did. It was sloppy,” Soloman said. “What he did was bad ... but he didn’t do it purposely.”