Artist Sues Over Removal of Iconic Mural for World Cup Promotion

An artist known for his conservation-themed murals has filed a $25 million lawsuit against FIFA and others for painting over his artwork in Dallas. The mural, which depicted life-sized swimming whales, was covered up to promote upcoming World Cup matches.

Wyland, the artist, had painstakingly hand-painted the mural across roughly 17,000 square feet on two walls. It became a prominent fixture in downtown Dallas for nearly thirty years. The recent decision to paint over it has stirred local discontent.

The local World Cup organizing committee announced plans to replace the mural with new artwork. They stated this new piece would symbolize the spirit of the 2026 World Cup, ensuring a part of Wyland’s mural would be preserved.

Wyland’s lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court, claims the organizers and the building’s owner acted without his permission. He cites the Visual Artists Rights Act of 1990, which safeguards artists’ creations from damage or alteration without consent.

According to the lawsuit, FIFA and others rapidly dismantled what Wyland describes as a ‘civic landmark.’ In response, a FIFA representative clarified that the organization is uninvolved, referring inquiries to the local organizing committee.

Neither the North Texas FWC Organizing Committee nor the building manager, Slate Asset Management, provided direct comments on the legal action. Slate stated that they were informed Wyland had been notified prior to the mural’s replacement.

Part of the mural, known as “Whaling Wall 82,” completed in 1999, was integral to over 100 similar works created globally by Wyland to raise awareness about ocean conservation. As Dallas prepares to host nine World Cup matches at AT&T Stadium, residents have voiced their displeasure through an online petition. This petition, aiming to protect public art in the city, has garnered over 2,600 signatures.

The case highlights the legal protections for artworks of ‘recognized stature’ under federal law. A similar legal precedent in 2018 resulted in a significant financial award to artists whose work was destroyed on factory buildings in Queens.