Controversial Art and Censorship

Assignment

Required Resources

Read/review the following resources for this activity:

• Textbook: Chapter 14
• Lesson
• Minimum of 1 primary sources (artist statement)
• Minimum of 1 scholarly source (in addition to the textbook – from critic)

Instructions

Although social justice art is not a topic exclusive to the 20th and 21st centuries, the distribution of information regarding controversial art with gender, race, sexual, and/or environmental themes has increased with the proliferation of media. Choose an example of a social justice work of art from the 20th or 21st centuries from any discipline of the humanities (music, literature, sculpture, film, television, etc.). Then, address the following:

• Identify the work and the medium.
• Based on your example, to what extent does this work of art make a social contribution?
• What aesthetic value does the work have? How does it reflect the human condition? How does it relate to your life?
• Has this work ever been censored? If so, explain the circumstances.
• Are governments ever justified in censoring art? Why or why not?
• Examine some of the influences of this work of art. What was the public reaction to this work? Does it effectively portray its message?
• Argue whether or not this work should be considered art. Explain why using terms learned in this course.
• Include an accompanying statement from the artist(s) and a statement from a critic to support your points.

Writing Requirements (APA format)

• Length: 1.5-2 pages (not including title page or references page)
• 1-inch margins
• Double spaced
• 12-point Times New Roman font
• Title page
• References page (minimum of 1 scholarly source and 1 primary source)