Topic > Art Censorship and Freedom of Expression

IndexA divide in the art worldThe Next WaveResonating LoudlyWorks CitedArt has a long history of vocal outrage, but should there be restrictions on how far to push the boundaries? Art is no stranger to the breath-inducing; in fact, he often makes an effort to do so. It's not unusual to come across works of art that can shock or even infuriate viewers, but a series of recent controversies in the art world have called into question the need for greater curatorial caution. Current events have marked the growing tension between freedom of expression and tolerance and sensitivity. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essayA divide in the art worldThe question of whether or not controversial works of art should be removed from view or even destroyed has created a divide in the art world. A New York Times article by Roberta Smith, “Should Infuriating Art Be Removed? ” discusses this division. The heart of this controversy began at the Whitney Biennial. Smith argues that art censorship gained momentum when a white artist's painting was exhibited in the Whitney Biennial. Artist Dana Schutz painted a work titled "Open Casket" based on a graphic photograph of Emmett Till, a 14-year-old African American who was brutally murdered by two white men in 1955. Emmett's death was one of the most important events which sparked the beginning of the civil rights movement. It has continued to be an open wound in our society. Schutz's painting has sparked protests from many black artists who say Till's photographs are a "black subject," off-limits to a white artist. Many artists viewed Schutz's painting as exploiting the suffering of the black community for “profit and entertainment. ”Smith explores the particular artists who oppose Schutz's painting. Hannah Black, a black artist and writer from the United Kingdom, urged the curators of the Whitney Biennial not only to remove the painting from the gallery, but also to destroy it. Smith quotes Black as saying, “White freedom of speech and creative freedom were founded on the coercion of others and are not natural rights. The painting must disappear. ”Throughout history, artists have depicted black bodies as subject matter. However, many black artists have fought to protect this topic, especially from non-black artists. In his article, Smith also discusses opposition to artistic censorship. On the other side of the debate, Kara Walker, a Black artist, defended Schutz's painting. Smith quotes Walker who wrote: “The history of painting is full of graphic violence and narratives that do not necessarily belong to the lives of artists. " He claims that artwork can be a powerful statement, no matter how or who it offends, viewers must "give rise to deeper inquiry and better art." It can only do so when it is seen. "The Next WaveA New York Times opinion piece titled "Decolonizing the Art Museum: The Next Wave" by Olga Viso discusses how art museums are acting in response to viewers seeking justice for art centered on race and gender . In the article, Viso asks the question, “How do museums reconceive their missions at a time of great social reckoning regarding race and gender, and as increasingly diverse audiences demand a voice and sense of responsibility ? “Art museums have a responsibility not only to exhibit artwork by artists of all races and genders, but also to take into account how the artwork affects the viewer. As director"..