If beauty is in the eye of the beholder, how is it possible for art to be defined under one strict system of guidelines or principles? Beauty can be discovered under a vast myriad of unique perspectives. Art is controversial and will remain so as long as it exists in our world. If this line of thinking is true, then how do we step forward as a culture without becoming beasts of censorship?
One solution would be to separate the private and public sectors. If an art museum is privately owned it can show absolutely any piece its director or artist deems "art". Anything! When the museum is public and funded by tax payers, then accountability must exist. How that accountability would be regulated I dare not fathom, but it is indeed necessary.The people can decide what is art and what is not. If an individual or community feels uncomfortable about a showing of controversial pieces, then they are not obligated to attend the show or step one foot inside the museum. This way, the art can be showcased and viewed by those who are interested without intruding into the daily lives of those who wish not see it.
Protecting children from exploitation is also essential when exploring this issue. Children are not to be exploited under the name of "art". Using the lable of art as a protection is absolutely cowardly when it comes to photographing children in any nature (sexual or otherwise) with or without their consent. I believe this is a standard we must uphold and protect in any case.
Balancing artistic expression with the need for decency is certainly challenging and I look forward to learning how others view this sticky topic.
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I completely agree that children must be protected in all circumstances. I really feel that this should trump any claims to the right to produce art, expression or otherwise. I am referring to the actual child's physical privacy and private information about them, not anything deemed influential to children.
I also happen to agree with you about the discrepancy between public and private art venues. I support the rights of private museums to show anything, so long as the previously mentioned rights of children are not infringed upon.
Your blog is well thought out and insightful!
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