THEORETICAL APPROACH: What is the true function of a memorial? So that we may never forget. I think the Fischl image is more graphic image-wise than most memorials, but to me, reading the carved name of a loved one who was lost senselessly is equally as graphic and evokes the same feelings. Or viewing empty chairs. Or absorbing the long line of individuals placing a flower into a pit as names are called. I have never entered the Holocaust Museum because of my personal inability to divorce that particular bit of history from the culture of my people, but I fervently believe that it should be there because it is a big fat memorial. I will never forget the horrors of Sept 11 2001, but I can believe that my children will, and I believe that if this sculpture (wherever it ends up, whether in a museum or remain out in public) is to serve the purpose of a memorial then it should be out there, uncensored. Loretta made the point that this sculpture should never have been placed in public where it takes viewers unawares. Well, then, publish the heck out of it and let viewers choose to take another route to where they are going (as I chose to turn off the TV on Sept 11 of this year), or not to look at it, but please, please don't take it away from people who need it now and who will need it in the future. ARTISTIC APPROACH: We are so used to memorials of events within our lifetime being abstract (even the figurative ones are cleaned up and heroic--don't get me started on that), clinical, almost inhuman, that the figurative nature of this is what makes it so horrifying. If it takes realism to underscore the horror of what it memorializes, that is the artist's choice. Maybe we need the graphic imagery. If Nick Capasso is on this list, I would encourage him to provide a discourse on the artistic choices made in memorializing recent horrific events for all of us to read. If not, I would encourage everyone to find some of his articles and dissertation through the Art Index. Anyway, Fischl has never shied away from revealing to us truths that we don't like to admit to ourselves and I applaud his achievement. Julia Muney Moore Director of Exhibitions and Artist Services Indianapolis Art Center 820 E. 67th St. Indianapolis, IN 46220 (317) 255-2464 x233 FAX (317) 254-0486 email <[log in to unmask]> website < http://www.indplsartcenter.org <http://www.indplsartcenter.org/> > -----Original Message----- From: Alexandra Carrera [mailto:[log in to unmask]] Sent: Friday, September 20, 2002 2:03 PM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: 9/11 Censorship? Statue of falling woman censored I don't think the argument is about "good" art or even censorship. I've heard repeatedly this was a private commission, put in a public space that the general public requested be removed. We have eyesore laws, it's perfectly reasonable and legal for people to not be forced to looking at things that are harmful and if you don't believe looking at disturbing images is harmful, then look at studies done about violence depicted on tv (and yes, the news) including cartoons. I think we who do not live in NYC cannot begin to imagine the impact this statue has on those who do. And mental health workers will agree our goal is to move past the pain, not set up camp there. Does anyone honestly believe we won't forget what happened? I was impressed by the power of the statue from the pictures of it and would actually like to see it. But I'm happier seeing it in a museum where it's my CHOICE, where I can be mentally prepared for what I'm about to see. Imagine how awful it would be to walk by that work everyday, knowing it disturbs you, knowing it's about to come into view, knowing you'll want to avert your eyes -- the stress that would cause in someone passing by it everyday. I think the public has every right to request its removal and the artist has every right to display it where viewers will want to see it. Alexandra Carrera Corita Art Center On Fri, 20 Sep 2002 14:48:53 -0400 Audra Oliver wrote: Art does not have to be "tasteful" to be good art. If I remember correctly most strong pieces publicly displayed have met with varying degrees of outcry. People object to non-objective pieces, abstract pieces and realism. If we want public art short of memorial sculpture, we need to expect outcry. I cannot see the point in funding "safe" pieces. Didn't we have an earlier discussion about memorials? My feelings then were that we were rushing into memorializing an event before there was time to come to terms with it emotionally. They are the same now. ========================================================= Important Subscriber Information: The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . 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