To Whom It May Concern
Subject: Clarification regarding intellectual property claim concerning my original paper-cutting artwork
I, Vikas Tomar, would like to clarify recent concerns regarding my paper-cutting artwork of a Bengal Tiger, which has been alleged to resemble the work of Japanese artist Ms. Masayo Fukuda (@kiriken16). I categorically state that my artwork is an original creation, not a reproduction or copy of any existing artwork.
Dear All,
I am writing to address the issue raised on 3/12/2025 concerning my recent artwork, which has been alleged to have plagiarized the work of a Japanese artist Ms Masayo Fukuda.(@X id: kiriken 16). Specifically for Bengal Tiger gifted to Hon. Minister.
I strongly deny any claims of plagiarism and wish to clarify the nature and original creation process of my work.
I have the utmost respect for Japanese art and culture, and the rich tradition of paper cutting (known as kirigami in the West) has indeed been a source of inspiration for my artistic journey. However, my work is an original expression of this inspiration, not a copy or reproduction of any specific existing Japanese artwork.
My creation process involves a unique blend of digital design and painstaking hand-cutting techniques, executed entirely by my own hand. The specific artwork in question was developed using my own distinct vision, composition, and execution, ensuring that it is a new and transformative piece of art
Originality of Execution: The final piece is a unique, hand-cut creation, the physical manifestation of my own creative decisions. My work is deeply inspired by the aesthetic principles and techniques prevalent in Japanese paper cutting, which I greatly admire. I was particularly influenced by the use of [Spiral Linocut Technique, e.g., negative space, intricate 3D detail, specific subject detailing which guided my artistic exploration in this piece.
The specific design, composition, and final physical creation of "Bengal Tiger Face Portrait " are entirely my own. The process involved:
Digital Design: I first created the unique multi sizeable pattern using digital tools. The Bengal Tiger artwork was created using a unique blend of digital design and hand-cutting techniques. I first developed a customized digital pattern, involving original design decisions, ratios, and compositions. This digital creation process allowed for my own artistic interpretation and design choices includes Digital Outline, expansion of face as per tiger face Ratio proportionate Linocut Patterns etc
Hand-Cutting: The physical artwork was meticulously hand-cut by me, with the help of surgical blade and magnifying glass ensuring that every line and detail reflects my personal craftsmanship and effort. This is a key distinction from a direct reproduction or copy. This process includes more than 200 hrs to create single art form.
Style vs. Specific Work :Similarities observed between my work and existing Japanese paper-cut pieces arise naturally from the shared artistic style and the depiction of a common subject, the tiger. Common visual traits, such as intricate detail and negative space, are characteristic of the genre and not indicative of copying.
Artistic Style vs. Specific Work: While the visual similarity arises from our shared interest in a specific style or genre of paper art and more over this particular art include Bengal Tiger Face which is unique in feature and quite similar with each other, my piece may have resemblance. The resemblance is a result of working within a shared cultural and artistic vocabulary and common wild life creature, which is common practice in many art forms.
I respect the intellectual property rights of all artists and have a strong personal ethos against plagiarism. My intention was to honor and engage with the rich tradition of Japanese paper cutting, not to copy an individual's specific creation.
Inspiration vs. Replication: While general traditional styles or themes may inform my work (as is common in global art history), the specific design, layout, and final execution are entirely original and do not constitute an infringing copy.
Documentation and Evidence: I am prepared to provide digital drafts, design files, and photographic evidence of the creation process to substantiate originality. Copyright law protects specific expressions, not general artistic styles.
Evidence of Creation: I am prepared to provide documentation of my creative process, including digital drafts, design files, and photographic evidence of the hand-cutting process, to substantiate my claim of originality.
Copyright law generally protects specific expressions of an idea, not the idea or general style itself. My work constitutes a distinct and original artistic expression.
I believe this issue stems from a misunderstanding of the context and creation process.
I am keen to resolve this matter amicably and professionally. I request that the claim be reviewed considering the facts and evidence provided. I am willing to provide any further information or engage in a constructive dialogue to clarify the differences between my original work and the alleged source of plagiarism.
More over to avoid further issue regarding resemblance with the art of Japanese artist Ms Masayo Fukuda.(@X id: kiriken 16) coincidently to this particular art I will make significant changes in my original digital art for Japanese art and culture, and the rich tradition of paper cutting Art Form if required In future to avoid any kind of resemblance dispute on this particular Art of Bengal Tiger Face Paper cutting Art to avoid unnecessary issues in future. To give you my assurance and demonstrate my commitment to mutual respect, I have already removed the artwork from public platforms under my control, and I am prepared to make significant stylistic changes in my future digital art to eliminate any resemblance with your work, specifically for the Bengal Tiger Art Form.
Good Faith and Future Measures: I have no intention to infringe on anyone's intellectual property. To avoid future misunderstandings, I am willing to adjust design elements in forthcoming versions. This is a proactive gesture, not an admission of wrongdoing.
Resolution Efforts: I am currently in communication with Ms. Fukuda to resolve the matter amicably and respectfully. We hope to reach a mutually agreeable understanding soon.
.We both are under the process to settle down this matter as soon as possible with mutual consent. Hopefully we will close this matter in few couple of days.
I am hopeful that we can settle this matter quickly and respectfully with mutual consent. I have already begun the process of resolving the public dispute in this spirit, and I hope we can bring a peaceful closure to this soon.
Sincerely and with profound respect,
I am happy to provide documentation of my creative process, including digital drafts or progress photos, to demonstrate the independent creation of this artwork, should that be helpful in resolving this matter.
Vikas Tomar
Digital Documentations Below ope
