I want to let the viewer draw their own conclusions about the photographs. Are they art or pornography?
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Art or Porn?
Yesterday I blogged about my favorite photograph called "Candy Cigarette" by Sally Mann. While I was researching the history of the picture background on Sally Mann, I came across something interesting. People were claiming Sally Mann's work is "criminal garbage." Although I disagree, this still brings up the bigger picture. What is art? What differentiates it from something harmful or grotesque or even criminal? I will put the most controversial pictures below.
I want to let the viewer draw their own conclusions about the photographs. Are they art or pornography?
I want to let the viewer draw their own conclusions about the photographs. Are they art or pornography?
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1 comment:
Bernadette,
What a cool idea for continuing the blog. I know that one student is doing movie reviews, but this I think is unique for someone your age.
I remember seeing Mann's work a few years ago for the first time and being taken aback. I'm not surprised that some have called her work "pornography" in these sensitive times where Americans have obsessed over the safety of children.
But if pornography is defined as "intended to stimulate erotic rather than aesthetic or emotional feelings" (Oxford American Dictionary), I think the critics are wrong. Certainly, the child molesters out there would view Mann's work differently than us, but I am fascinated by what questions her work brings to mind under the umbrella of the "Women and Children" theme.
Perhaps you can do a guest lecture next year! :)
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