Chinese painter to appeal after being ordered to pay Belgian artist for plagiarism

A screenshot of Christian Silvain’s post on social media announcing he won the case

 
Ye Yongqing, a professor of oil painting from China, had been ordered to pay 5 million yuan ($683,340) in damages to Belgian artist Christian Silvain for plagiarism. Caixin Weekly reported on October 22 that the Chinese painter is now considering filing an appeal. 

The 73-year-old Silvain told Belgian media in 2019 that he found Ye had continuously copied ideas from his work since the 1990s without identifying the original author and Ye also modified the paintings without his permission. Silvain filed a lawsuit against Ye that year, according to thepaper.cn

Meanwhile, Silvain pointed out that Ye exhibited and published 87 plagiarized works over a time span of more than 25 years, earning considerable financial gain. Therefore, Silvain requested Ye to stop with the infringement and 50 million yuan in compensation, as well as a public apology.

"I am pleased to announce that after four years of waiting, we have won our case in China. The plagiarism of my work has been clearly recognized by the Beijing court," Silvain posted on social media on August 31.

According to media reports, the Beijing Intellectual Property Court ordered that Ye cease his infringing behavior immediately and make a public apology in the media to Silvain. Ye was also ordered to pay compensation of 5 million yuan to Silvain and issue an apology in the Global Times. 

Ye, who was born in 1958, is a professor at the Chongqing-based Sichuan Fine Arts Institute. According to Caixin Weekly latest report, Ye disagrees with the verdict and has already appealed.
 
“I am sure this ruling will move a lot of things forward, and I am glad to have contributed to it. I'm sure this will set a precedent. I am actually very grateful to the Chinese people and media for their support throughout these four years. From the many testimonials of support I've received, I think the Chinese art scene seems concerned about its integrity and is giving itself the means to defend it," Silvain told the Global Times.

"I believe that my experience proves that the country is evolving and that international artists can have confidence in the Chinese market," he added.

Silvain disclosed that some museums in China have shown an interest in his work, and his Belgian agent and a trusted local connection are taking care of exhibitions, so future projects are taking shape. 

“Personally, it's painting that drives me; I don't concern myself with commercial matters,” he said.