If they created their own version of an existing idea, they have to be transparent that the idea wasn't originally theirs and what they present is an altered version. While it isn't a straight out copy, there is still a level of artistry that was derived from the referenced image, thought and composition. People can draw Mona Lisa paintings and everyone would know who the original painter is because their fame protects someone else from stealing their work. For artists that have yet to make a name for themselves, they do not have this privilege and anyone can make versions of their works without crediting them. This is fine by itself because artists learn from other artists. But it is a different issue not to credit the inspiration from and even monetize the work. Curator may have voted her work as being totally original when it isn't.