Have you ever been deeply offended by looking at a piece of art?

Works of visual art such as Manet's Olympia and Michelangelo's Davidhave caused public outrage. Are there works of art -- or attacks against them -- that have deeply offended you?

offensive art
M. Sobhan - 06:01pm Jan 20, 2000

I have not yet been truly offended by any artwork. I fact, it does not make sense to me why people should get offended to art if they look at it in the context of art? Once you know that it is "art" it removes it from the realm where you can get offended, because even if it is art, the artisit is not necessarily speaking to you the person. I do however get shocked or surprised from artworks that I would not really expect, that does not amount to being offended. Shock or surprise is a temporary shallow feeling.

Graphic Violence in Videos
Tom Steinkellner - 06:07pm Jan 20, 2000

First, I have major difficulty with calling a video- art, and comparing it to film violence which is usually in context with other action. I think video graphic violence is designed to manipulate the user and sell the product. My main objection however is how frequently, use of these videoes, provide validation to someone with a weak self image/control. They imply that we normally face violence this graphic, detailed and with such volume that we have to be prepared to combat it. This is not true. Most of us hardly ever face violence on a day-to-day basis. It is unfortunate that this violence does exist in some sub-cultures and nations......but it is not the "normal" life pattern in civilized societies. Thanks

Offensive Art
webmastersuddenmail.zzn.com - 05:19pm Jan 26, 2000

The Arts under the general heading must be understood in their proper context and viewed either with a coach to explain the true meaning ( for youth) and viewed upon the merits of what has been Tastefully done! No argument with it!

The argument comes in when the so called art steps across the line into the area of Pornography! The message being base and the art obviously sending that message!

This question is not a new one. Yet what has raised the ire of so many is the production of PORNOGRAPHY in the name of ART! Going beyond that. The Artists themselves!

All of this has really come to fore due to the enormous onset of Pornography on the web that someone labled as art especially Kiddieporn!

This has placed webmaster in the position of either hosting an adult site that says its art and screen out the kiddieporn as best they can with Governments and groups breathing down their shirts constantly.

The other option is to not carry any sites claiming art unless it is screened for content which I have to do on a constant basis! I chose not to carry any art sites.

In summation artists want to express their art! This is not an issue. What is an issue is their idea of it and where THEY want to present it!