Today marks the start of Public Domain Day, allowing access to works by renowned artists Henri Matisse, Frida Kahlo, Robert Capa, William Faulkner, Virginia Woolf, Ernest Hemingway, and others whose copyrights have expired. In the US, commissioned works from 1929 are now in the public domain, while individual works published before 1954 are also available for free use.
Notable additions to the public domain include Matisse’s paintings and cut-outs, Frida Kahlo’s self-portraits, and Robert Capa’s photographs. The latter’s documentation of wars and pivotal moments in history is particularly timely, as it sheds light on global conflicts and their impact on people worldwide.
In literature, classic novels such as William Faulkner’s “The Sound and the Fury” (1929) and Ernest Hemingway’s “A Farewell to Arms” (1929) are now freely accessible. Virginia Woolf’s influential essay “A Room of One’s Own” (1929) also enters the public domain, highlighting the importance of women’s financial independence for artistic expression.
As the world continues to navigate complex issues and challenges, Public Domain Day serves as a reminder to reevaluate and repurpose the knowledge and works of the past. This year’s collection offers a wealth of creative resources, inspiring artists, writers, and thinkers to build upon existing ideas and push boundaries forward.
Source: https://hyperallergic.com/978841/frida-kahlo-is-officially-in-the-public-domain-2025