So if an artist borrows an item without permission (I'd call it theft or misappropriation) for artistic expression, we are to overlook it for the sake of freedom of expression? I don't think so. If they "snuck" the items out as they said, it is unforgivable for a museum professional. If it was literary license, than just state the article and pictures are works of fiction, and that no museum artifacts were used in the pictures without permission.
Richard Fields

On Feb 25, 2011, at 11:00 AM, "Jason B. Jones" <[log in to unmask]> wrote:


The following hinges on: I don't believe the dresses were museum objects. As explained before.

Considering they took it down off the original site, the way I see it: this group of museum professionals just helped to censor an artist's creative expression.  An expression the wasn't harming anything, but the museum professionals' own sense of decorum regarding the sacredness of language about collections. Even if it was "real", shouldn't museum professionals know how important it is to challenge popular conceptions? Were would we be without artists and academics challenging our beliefs?

I find condemning artist expression of this nature to be a very slippery slope. Were does it end? No more loaning of objects? No receptions in galleries? No more visitors in the museum?

How do we use our objects to educate, if we can't use our objects (or in this case the idea of the object)?

We should protect artistic expression (especially challenging expression), and find ways to use to create an educational dialog - not keep it from being seen.


I'm 100% for protecting our collections. I'm 100% for protecting artistic expression. I'm 100% for using objects and ideas to educate.

I believe more than 100% that museums' have an obligation to make sure these 3 happen, and never disappear. Even at our own expense.


I think this points to the larger issue of museum survival. If museum professionals and current practices can't be questioned (especially artistically), then how do we expect to adapt our institutions to meet the demands of a changing society? 



Jason




On Fri, Feb 25, 2011 at 9:22 AM, . . <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

Thankfully, it got reblogged a few times.  It's available at http://reevesy.tumblr.com/post/3498026123/a-pair-of-kindred-spirits  (For those that are unsure as to what reblogging is, think of it as a "reply" function on a blog.  It preserves the original message but you can add to it as well.  The link I've included, it's fairly easy -to me- to be able to tell where the "reply" ends and the original post begins.)


-Isabella





Date: Fri, 25 Feb 2011 11:15:25 -0500
From: [log in to unmask]

Subject: Re: Concerning Blog Post
To: [log in to unmask]

By the way, it looks like those bloggers took down that post. When you click on the link you get this message: The URL you requested could not be found.

 

 

 

 



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