The oppression of expression is an issue that has plagued the human species ever since the first creation. In our society today, it is a tough argument to take a stance on without being extreme or contradictory. For this reason, over the course of our readings and discussions on censorship, I've found it difficult to develop a concrete opinion. However, in pondering some answers to questions evoked by the articles, I identified some very conflicted feelings I have about the entanglement of art and politics.
I believe that art gives the public the ability to express their thoughts, opinions, and emotions about the world around. In the relevant words of Ed Trask, art has the power to start "creative conversations." It is my opinion that these creative conversations are vital to the survival and progression of our society. If the voices are silenced there exists no means to converse, but if the voices are unique and provocative enough to be heard over the noise, then there is a chance for true contemplation and change among people. Across all of its various media, whether it be visual, verbal, or audio, I feel that art can be and should be a pathway to connection rather than a road leading to division.
Of course, we are all raised within the boundaries, rites and rituals of our cultures. The general culture of our nation down to the specific values of our families can influence the way we take in and make sense of the unfamiliar. This said, that which is unfamiliar to us can often create uncomfortable or unwanted emotions. Take for example, Chris Ofili's painting, "The Holy Virgin Mary". It is a work that features a portrait of the Madonna surrounded by floating vaginae and it is supported upon balls of elephant dung. The piece has stirred much controversy among viewers because of its explicit and supposedly "blasphemous" content. It has been so controversial, in fact, that Rudolph Giuliani, mayor of New York, threatened to take away funding from the Brooklyn Museum of Art when the work was featured in a show there called "Sensation." I can understand why a Christian may feel offended by this image because of the juxtaposition of a prominent, pure spiritual figure in the midst of floating genitalia. However, one has to recognize that there is no one way to depict the Virgin Mary, and that being offended by someone's particular way does not justify the stifling of his voice. Ultimately, I think it essential to put art in perspective before judging it, and I feel that art education is a way open minds and to minimize controversy, Ironic as it sounds, there need not be the presence of politics when there can exist and understanding and acceptance of differences.
In the end, I am a supporter of the "creative conversation," but I think it is important that we as artists and audiences should be conscious of the consequences of perception. It is in this, that a simple discussion can turn into a raging argument--necessary or unnecessary. Then there is the creating art for the very reason of it being controversial and provocative, and you see, that is like arguing without a point or fighting without a cause. Because the world is fragile, fragmented place and art is a powerful player, we have to be able to let art not only reflect the times and politics but take charge if moved to do so.
I believe that art gives the public the ability to express their thoughts, opinions, and emotions about the world around. In the relevant words of Ed Trask, art has the power to start "creative conversations." It is my opinion that these creative conversations are vital to the survival and progression of our society. If the voices are silenced there exists no means to converse, but if the voices are unique and provocative enough to be heard over the noise, then there is a chance for true contemplation and change among people. Across all of its various media, whether it be visual, verbal, or audio, I feel that art can be and should be a pathway to connection rather than a road leading to division.
Of course, we are all raised within the boundaries, rites and rituals of our cultures. The general culture of our nation down to the specific values of our families can influence the way we take in and make sense of the unfamiliar. This said, that which is unfamiliar to us can often create uncomfortable or unwanted emotions. Take for example, Chris Ofili's painting, "The Holy Virgin Mary". It is a work that features a portrait of the Madonna surrounded by floating vaginae and it is supported upon balls of elephant dung. The piece has stirred much controversy among viewers because of its explicit and supposedly "blasphemous" content. It has been so controversial, in fact, that Rudolph Giuliani, mayor of New York, threatened to take away funding from the Brooklyn Museum of Art when the work was featured in a show there called "Sensation." I can understand why a Christian may feel offended by this image because of the juxtaposition of a prominent, pure spiritual figure in the midst of floating genitalia. However, one has to recognize that there is no one way to depict the Virgin Mary, and that being offended by someone's particular way does not justify the stifling of his voice. Ultimately, I think it essential to put art in perspective before judging it, and I feel that art education is a way open minds and to minimize controversy, Ironic as it sounds, there need not be the presence of politics when there can exist and understanding and acceptance of differences.
In the end, I am a supporter of the "creative conversation," but I think it is important that we as artists and audiences should be conscious of the consequences of perception. It is in this, that a simple discussion can turn into a raging argument--necessary or unnecessary. Then there is the creating art for the very reason of it being controversial and provocative, and you see, that is like arguing without a point or fighting without a cause. Because the world is fragile, fragmented place and art is a powerful player, we have to be able to let art not only reflect the times and politics but take charge if moved to do so.
