An illustration for the upcoming Magic: The Gathering card Jace, Multiverse Architect has drawn accusations of copied artwork, with artist Liiga Smilshkalne alleging that its central elements were reused from her previous work without credit. Wizards of the Coast has since clarified that the resemblance was intentional and directed by the publisher's art team.
Smilshkalne, who created the art for Breach the Multiverse in 2023, stated that while she would welcome intentional homages, the reuse of distinctive features from her composition in Volkan Baga's new illustration for Jace, Multiverse Architect was concerning. She specifically pointed to a dark vertical line and surrounding shapes in both artworks, noting that in her original piece, these elements were part of a larger visual narrative tied to Phyrexian symbolism. Smilshkalne expressed disappointment at seeing her work replicated without her knowledge or explicit consent, suggesting the original symbolic context was lost.
In response to the controversy, Wizards of the Coast confirmed that Baga was provided with explicit art direction to reference Smilshkalne’s illustration. The publisher explained that this callback was intended to visually represent Jace's complex relationship with the magic he has encountered, particularly his efforts to reshape the Multiverse after his capture by the Phyrexians. The reuse of visual motifs was meant to signify Jace's transformation and his potential to become akin to the forces he fought against.
Mark Aronowitz, Baga's art broker, corroborated Wizards' account, stating that Baga consulted the art director regarding the composition and was instructed to proceed. Aronowitz emphasized that Baga worked in good faith, completing the piece through traditional painting methods from sketch to final oils, which would preclude speculation of direct digital compositing. This process also suggests that elements were not simply extracted from Smilshkalne's digital artwork.
While the similarity was a deliberate choice to connect narrative elements across Magic: The Gathering's lore, Wizards acknowledged that the situation has prompted internal discussions. The publisher stated its commitment to creating a unified world through visual callbacks but recognizes the need to refine how such references are communicated to artists. Wizards confirmed that both artists have been contacted regarding the matter.