Controversy over image similarity in Barcelona 'Shame on You' campaign

The 'Poca vergonya' or 'Shame on you' campaign by Barcelona City Council has sparked controversy after a Japanese photographer raised concerns over similarities between campaign images and his own work.

The campaign, meant to fight incivilities in public spaces, has been displayed across Barcelona on large, colorful posters showing uncivil behaviors such as throwing waste on the ground or urinating in the streets. 

Officials said the visuals are intended to promote respect and coexistence across the city.

The controversy started in recent days after Japanese photographer Shin Noguchi took to social media to question two images from the campaign, highlighting in particular a photo of a woman in white heeled shoes in front of a sheet of paper thrown on the ground.

The artist said the image was so similar to one of his photographs that even "AI can get it wrong," while stressing he had not been contacted or received "any compensation for a supposed inspiration."

Noguchi first believed the image might have been generated using artificial intelligence due to the resemblance. But after discovering that the campaign includes video footage, he concluded the material had been specifically produced for the initiative.

Barcelona City Council maintains that the image is an original work created by a contracted photographer.

In a follow-up post, the artist expressed frustration at the lack of response from the authorities and said he had only been directed to contact the commissioned photographer, who replied "I'm sorry, but I have never seen you or this photograph."

The controversy went beyond photography with pro-independence party Junts calling for explanations, urging Socialist mayor Jaume Collboni to clarify the situation and ensure accountability if wrongdoing is confirmed.

The case has also sparked discussion online around the role of inspiration and authorship in visual culture, particularly in publicly funded campaigns.

Noguchi noted that while certain elements may overlap, he would not have chosen to depict urban behavior issues using a single female subject, as seen in the campaign image.

As of now, no formal investigation has been announced, and the matter remains unresolved. Noguchi stated he is documenting the situation publicly while awaiting further clarification.