Greg March 26: Two controversies

For Greg's class on March 26, we'll be discussing two art controversies.

Students in Greg's discussion group should (1) watch David Wojnarowicz’s video “A Fire in My Belly” (above) and read the following public statements and reports about the controversy it sparked at the Smithsonian and (2) Amber Hansen's “The Story of Chickens: A Revolution.” Then for our class on Feb. 7, write a two-page paper, one page about each situation. Imagine you're one of the artists or art administrators (museum directors) involved and write about what you would do in response to the protests and why. For example, was the Smithsonian's decisions to remove Wojnarowicz's video but keep AA Bronson's photo in the "Hide/Seek" exhibit right? Back up your position by citing information in the readings.


Feb. 18, 2012: "Controversy swirls around artist’s plans for project detailing the life — and death — of chickens."
Feb. 21, 2012: Sue Coe "Please intervene...."
Feb. 27, 2012: "‘Art’ violence."
Feb. 27, 2012: "City law interpretation spares lives of chickens slated for slaughter in public display of art."


June 2, 2010: Smithsonian: The National Portrait Gallery Presents “Hide/Seek: Difference and Desire in American Portraiture”
Nov. 30, 2010: Catholic League: Smithsonan Hosts Anti-Christian Exhibit
Nov. 30, 2010: New York Magazine: U.S. Representative John Boehner Is Now a Curator
Nov. 30, 21010: Smithsonian: Statement on “Hide/Seek: Difference and Desire in American Portraiture”
Dec. 6, 2010: L.A. Times: Smithsonian Institution fails to stand up to anti-gay bullies

Dec. 10, 2010: Washington Post: 'Fire' man: Wojnarowicz, censored by Smithsonian, sounded an alarm in dire times
Dec. 16, 2010: Modern Art Notes: Q&A with AA Bronson on ‘Hide/Seek,’ ‘Felix’
Dec. 16, 2010: Catholic League: "The 'American Taliban' Catholic League"

Pictured: David Wojnarowicz’s “A Fire in My Belly” from ppow_gallery on Vimeo.