I play a game with people I don't know online. Place two works of art next to each other and ask if it's theft, swipe, homage or coincidence.
The time between when the works was created is key to the artists motivation as well as when the art was made. People in the past would think a long enough time has passed and no one will remember. What with the vast internet archives and the, "Gotcha" mentality, one cannot get away with theft anymore. Eventually, maybe after the artist is dead, someone will put the pieces together and out the artist.
These days, one would be adjured to sign any artwork homage/swipe, "After Kirby, (then the artist's name)" or be labeled a swiper/thief.
How would you describe photo referencing? Unknown stock photos v. famous images that are iconic? Source the icons. Stock photos of, say, people/animals/buildings, etc are fair game.
Discuss, please.