Thursday, September 15, 2011

we're all against censorship...

..But really art society...facebook? Is it that hard to understand a "no nudity" policy? and especially one that is for the largest social media site in the world? I mean, I get it. It's art. It's not porn, and it's not meant to be. It's not meant to be looked at that way and the reasons for creating art that includes nudity are endless, almost none of which include arousing the viewer in that way. I get that. What I don't get is why people make such a gigantic stink about it.

Apparently it's a big deal that facebook doesn't allow nudity, including that which is actually art. They have been removing posts and pictures of nudity including many famous, as well as amateur works of art and the art people don't like it.

I get why they don't like it, but I honestly, as an artist, think it's a frivolous thing to get upset about. First of all, it's a general overall policy that is very easy to understand. Once they put in an exception for artists, then where does it end? How explicit can it get? How realistic can it get? Are photos or illustrations included in the exception, if not why? Can I paint a porn scene and put it up? The rule is there so they don't have to deal with the million questions and regulations that get brought up. I promise it's not a personal attack against art.

Secondly, why can't some artists understand that just because it's art doesn't mean that you have the right to put in anywhere you want, and it doesn't mean if someone takes it down that they are censoring you. You wouldn't go into a Preschool and put up the Courbet mentioned, just as you wouldn't walk into a law firm demanding the same thing, just as you wouldn't walk into a gallery and tell them what to include in their show. You have a right to free speech, but anyone owning a business or organization has the right to deny that if they think it will negatively affect said business. A gallery has every right to take down a piece they feel negatively affects the show be it a problem with subject, presentation, size, concept, or meaning. Just because you had the right to make it, doesn't mean you have the right to put it wherever you want.

Thirdly, ITS FUCKING FACEBOOK. I understand it's a great place to share art, I do it all the time, but I really hope that people understand they are not in a private gallery. It's a public space with strict regulations  based on keeping the business running smoothly. If you are that concerned, find a site that is specifically for showing art.

And keep in mind, even after saying all that, I have no problem with nudity in  art and wouldn't care if it was on facebook (i've probly got some paintings that should be removed also)...what I do have a problem with is when people just assume that a rule is specifically against them, oppressing their beliefs and rights when it's completely not the case. It's like the guy that's screaming on the street corner, throwing bibles at people, shaking them and swearing in their face and then complaining about free speech when cops remove him for being disorderly.

I guess it just annoys me that people take things so personally. It's a policy, It's not that big of a deal, and you're posting art on facebook, not MOMA...get over it. If you're really so oppressed take it up with the supreme court or start your own social networking site that allows nudity...have fun explaining what constitutes artistic nudity and what doesn't...I'm sure you'll get just as many people arguing those rules as there are this one.

http://www.theartnewspaper.com/articles/Too-rude-to-show?/24494

No comments:

Post a Comment