Controversy in Artistic Expression

Paper Summary:

Art that provokes a passionate response could be considered the "best" art, because whether the emotions it stirs up are positive or negative, their intensity is profoundly connected to the depth of visual expression the artist is able to convey. Unfortunately, those who are offended by certain works of art fail to see the matter from this perspective. The paper argues that, fortunately (and quite ironically) those who attempt to censor "offensive" expressions are generally the ones that bring an artist the greatest attention. This has undoubtedly been the case for controversial photographers such as Sally Mann and Andres Serrano. The paper looks at Serrano's "Piss Christ" and Mann's photographs which depict nude and battered children.

From the Paper:

"Mann's most familiar, and controversial imagery focuses on the lives of her three children. They are depictions of innocence about to be shattered by the intrusion of the adult world with its lies, violence, and corruption. They are not intended to arouse the viewer sexually but to arouse thought provoking introspection regarding the pain of growing up."

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• Analytical Essay # 66616 : "Censorship and the Arts"
• Film Review # 52295 : "Blue Velvet"

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