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 controversial art is not a topic exclusive to the 20th and 21st centuries, the distribution of information regarding controversial art has increased with the proliferation of media. Choose an example of a controversial 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 controversial 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.
- 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.
Solution:
The guitar lesson (1937) by Balthus
Born in 1908, Balthus is one of the most controversial artists of his time (Weber, 1999). His artwork ranges from paintings of portraits, landscapes, to images of figures brimming with sexual urges. In his article, Weber describes Balthus as a loner (Weber, 1999). That is, his style did not necessary belong to a certain school. He did a series of controversial artworks, including Alice, The Guitar Lesson, nude with arms raised, and Cathy dressing, among others (Weber, 1999). Herein, I will discuss controversial art and censorship with regards to Balthus’ The Guitar Lesson.
As seen above, the controversial painting displays a prepubescent girl on the lap of an older woman. The woman, with one hand holding the girl’s hair and another on the girl’s torso- dangerously close to her vagina, appears to be holding the girl as if playing a guitar. The oil on……….Please click the icon below to purchase full answer at only $10