I Don't Know What Art Is, But I Know When I See It
Francesca has posted an tremendous post about art, war, and censorship, here is her post: Art in Time of War
Art is only good if it turns your stomach, if something about it makes you uncomfortable. You may think that this is true only of contemporary art, that only the artists of today are making a visual statement of "shock and awe," but it was a motivating factor for many artists in the past. We are so numbed by imagery today that we can’t even see the stomach-turning elements in many pieces from, say, the Medieval Period. I always find it strange that people get so offended by art, yet have no problem watching the gore-fests on TV like 24 and CSI.
Today, I came across an article regarding the US Secret Service investigating an art exhibition at Columbia College in Chicago. The show includes a number of artists from the Chicago area, none of whom are affiliated with the school. The show has circulated through a number of cities, apparently without incident, but has caused a stir at its latest venue. The show is called Axis of Evil: The Secret History of Sin. It is actually an exhibition of postage stamps made by the nearly fifty different artists, from eleven countries, as part of social and political commentary. The stamps take on many aspects of US foreign policy, terrorism, and violent aspects in the history of other countries, with images of Stalin and Pol Pot among others. It seems that the format of the postage stamp was deliberately chosen so that the powerful images would not overwhelm the viewer, or so there would be a tension created in the viewer between big ideas and small compositions. But these tiny works of art have caught the attention of the Secret Service and are apparently seen as threatening. As one reviewer put it, the images are "more of a quick jab than propaganda."
There was perhaps one image that sparked the controversy and was the cause for alarm with the Secret Service: a 37 cent postage stamp with the image of George Bush with a gun pointed at his head and the caption below "PATRIOT ACT." Was this a picture of "wishful thinking" on the part of the artist?
Artist of all genres seem to have a special calling in life. They are the dreamers,truth seekers and destroyers of unholy vessels. They expose the human condition in all its bloody glory. The exposés can be mindblowing especially if we live in a pristine bubble or would rather keep our "sins" and other paraphernalia hidden.
Scott posted this on Poetic Leanings last week. He said it so well, and since I agree with it completely, I reposted it here. Everybody needs to read it!
If you are anti-choice with regards to abortion, fine, don't have one. Leave others alone to make their own choices. You are not saving a life. A fetus is not a person until it can viably exist as a child.
If you do not believe in birth control, buy a candy bar at CVS instead of a condom. Let the rest of us decide to purchase a box of Trojans or to get a birth control prescription filled.
If you do not believe in harvesting stem cells from fetuses for research purposes, sit and explain to someone who has lost a family member to a disease that stem cells might someday cure how it is unacceptable to use something that would get thrown in the trash otherwise.
If you find a movie, tv show or book offensive, don't watch or read the material in question.
If you want to be a Christian to what ever level of belief you feel is appropriate, do so. Go to church, avoid certain activities and behaviors, subscribe to a particular way of life. Do not force anyone else to be like you.
If you do not believe gays should marry and you are a man, do not marry another man. If you do not believe gays should marry and you are a woman, do not marry another woman. If you are Rick Santorum, don't marry your pet. Leave everyone else alone to marry whoever they damn well please.
If you do not support the right to die or euthanasia, leave yourself plugged in as long as you wish. Let the rest of us die with dignity when all hope is lost.
If you feel the need to impose your beliefs on me, or anyone else ... shut the fuck up!
