Still, thinking like this has been done before by other designers/artists. Not only here on GP, but in the larger world of art. Mona Lisa mustache comes to mind.
Why does this particular piece bug me so much, though?
You know what? This raises an interesting question to me. On one hand, mister Merzari could have used a lesser-known picture and defaced it, probably defeating the purpose of what he was trying to do originally (which is, I assume, disservice/maim an original, famous piece of art/photography). At the same time, using a lesser-known piece may have come off as using an original piece of his own, which opens him up to accusations of thievery.
At the same time, I get annoyed that he's using Arbus' famed piece for this. Seems like little to know work, and leeching off the talent of another to gain some sort of recognition, if not for the show, at least for yourself. Still, would the idea have been as effective with something else just as famous? Or even another Arbus piece?
Or maybe you put no thought into it at all, and I'm giving you WAY too much credit.