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| Topic | Artwork removed from university after learning the artist is a sex offender |
| IslamMD 05/07/18 4:08:49 PM #1: | https://www.pressherald.com/2018/05/06/sex-offenders-artwork-pulled-from-usm-show-at-lewiston-auburn-gallery/ The University of Southern Maine has removed three works by a highly regarded oil painter from a gallery on its Lewiston-Auburn campus after learning that the artist is a sex offender, a decision that has prompted objections from the shows curator and the Union of Maine Visual Artists. The paintings are by Bruce Habowski of Waterville, who was convicted of unlawful sexual contact in 1999 and served six months in jail. The shows curator, Janice L. Moore, said they were removed when a relative of a victim in the sex crime called the university to complain. Where the paintings once hung are now empty hooks and open white wall space with a signed note from Moore that says, This painting has been removed by order of the USM president. The universitys communications department issued a statement that said: USM received a complaint from a member of the public. The complaint was not about the content of the art, but about the artist. After careful review, USM decided to remove his works from the exhibit. The removal of the art raises questions about free expression, community standards and tolerance, the public display of art and censorship, and comes during a national discussion about the value of art versus the character of its creator. That discussion has been framed by the #MeToo movement and revelations of bad behavior by prominent filmmakers, painters, maestros and musicians. This week, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences expelled convicted sex offenders Bill Cosby and Roman Polanski from its membership, citing a violation of ethical standards.Timothy Rhys, editor-in-chief of California-based MovieMaker magazine and a part-time Maine resident, said the issue is layered and complex. Ultimately, he said, we as a society should judge artists based on the work they create and not how they conduct their lives. By removing these works of art they are not censoring the art but they are censoring the artist because of who he offends. The definition of censorship is removing something because its offensive, but whos it offensive to? This person paid his debt. He doesnt owe anything to society anymore, Rhys said. Art does and should transcend the private behavior of the artist. We really need to come to grips that we are not going to all have the same opinion of the person. If there needs to be a judgment, lets judge the art. --- Kevin Durant. Lord of the Warriors. Swisher of Hoops. ... Copied to Clipboard! |
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