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Lesson Plans


RE: NEA

[ Thread ][ Subject ][ Author ][ Date ]
jcm7 (Jonathan.Matthies)
Thu, 18 Feb 1999 21:00:16 -0700

>Serrano and Maplethorp were two of the controversial artists who received
>funds from the NEA several years ago. Maplethorp, who was a very
>talented photographer, received funding for his suggestive photos of males.
>These artists and others were the main reason for the beginning of the
>"downsizing" of the NEA. It gave the "conservatives" lots of ammunition.

To me this seems like blaming the victim. Yes, some works are controversial.
I personally think art should be controversial sometimes. It makes people
think! Ask yourself this: is a piece strong if it does not produce a strong
reaction?
You have to realize that politicians DON'T CARE about art! They will react
"against" anything that may possibly gain them a fraction of a percentage
point in the polls. It's not the work itself, just it's value as a tool to
incite people. A means to an end, nothing else. (They can say they're tring to
save taxpayers dollars while at the same time looking for more pork.)

Jon Matthies
Flagstaff, AZ

FYI: More money is spent on military bands than is given to the NEA!