So far I have to say that I have enjoyed this unit the most, learning about all kinds of different controversial arts. Artists interpret their own experiences, fears, dreams, frustrations, etc. in their work. In the case of Eric Fischl, his paintings are about real situations in life that some people might want to ignore or are considered taboo. His paintings are like fragments of a film, what comes next we can only imagine or speculate.Birthday Boy by Eric Fischl
I was surprised to learn that the American culture is more closed-minded than the British culture when PBS removed a couple of his paintings from its television series. Probably, they didn't want the American public to be offended by them. I can't imagine that only conservative, beautiful dressed people, always smiling as an example would be the kind of art that we are supposed to "only appreciate". I love to see all different kinds of art work, of course there are times that I can't see what the artists was trying to accomplish. It's all about experiencing new things to me.
What I have learned that there has always been controversy about art throughout times. Either in sculptures, pictures, paintings, etc.
People make art controversial and are unable to appreciate it because they put their values and beliefs first when they judge art work. I believe that by having all types of art, people would learn and consider new ideas, challenge themselves, and also learn about diversity. There are times that maybe we won't understand or like the art work but that should prevent it from being displayed.
Robert Mapplethorpe's picture
Erotic ceramics from the Moche Culture in the National Museum in Lima, Peru. They are proud to display these ceramics from the Pre-Columbian civilization from 100 AD to 700 AD. As you can tell from this display, all civilizations have art work that could be viewed as controversial even in our times. People are still not willing to face reality or are not open to their sexuality. Maybe people think that by viewing these displays, some people might be encouraged to act a certain way shown on the piece of art.
Belvedere Apollo at the Pio Clementino Museum at the Vatican
2 comments:
Thanks for posting some of the pictures not shown in our book or lecture. Some people might say your blog has gone from the abstract to the pornographic. These are all amazing works of art. I agree with your comments about American culture. It is good to keep an open mind and take advantage of the cultural diversity offered to us through the arts.
Cynthia, VERY interesting post! Your selection of images have given us an entirely different context for considering the issue of "controversial art." It's fascinating to view examples of art from other cultures made long ago and consider how our own responses differ from their original viewers. Who knows, maybe 200 years from now Mapplethorpe will be hanging on living room walls.
-Michelle
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