I appreciate that so many of the involved parties have commented on this post, and it feels important that I add to this dialog.
I acknowledge my own role in Stewart's piece being pulled from the show, in not pushing or challenging the issue. Both Murray and Curt's retelling of the conversation around pulling the piece are accurate. I did contact Stewart and asked if he had another print to substitute; he did not, and told me that he felt honored to be censored, and didn't feel bad.
What wasn't clear to me at the time was the real viability of placing a warning sign at the door to the exhibition. I am familiar with this tactic that the Warhol often uses to caution viewers about subject matter that may not be suitable for all audiences. At the time of hanging the show, I wanted to avoid this option if possible, as it was only one print out of 300, and I wished for the show to be as welcoming as possible, to not turn off potential viewers from absorbing challenging subject matter.
Now, after hearing from many college and high school educators who are bringing their students to see the exhibition, I feel that such a sign will not deter most viewers, and could be a good compromise. I recognize that I initially should have given the matter more attention, and now I have the time and space to do so.
This experience has reminded me of the importance of clear and mindful communication, and I acknowledge that I did not communicate as comprehensively as I should have between all parties, including the media.
The bottom line, for me, is that this diverse cacophony of voices of counter-power has a public venue, one that is accessible to all who wish to access it, both randomly and intentionally. I am pleased that so many young people will have the opportunity to see the show in an educational context, and hope folks of all ages will feel empowered, through seeing their own opinions reflected and challenged, to make their voices heard.
Recent Comments
Slight correction:::I sent out the wrong address for Justseeds, it is 3410 Penn Ave.
Thanks and hope to see folks there!
I acknowledge my own role in Stewart's piece being pulled from the show, in not pushing or challenging the issue. Both Murray and Curt's retelling of the conversation around pulling the piece are accurate. I did contact Stewart and asked if he had another print to substitute; he did not, and told me that he felt honored to be censored, and didn't feel bad.
What wasn't clear to me at the time was the real viability of placing a warning sign at the door to the exhibition. I am familiar with this tactic that the Warhol often uses to caution viewers about subject matter that may not be suitable for all audiences. At the time of hanging the show, I wanted to avoid this option if possible, as it was only one print out of 300, and I wished for the show to be as welcoming as possible, to not turn off potential viewers from absorbing challenging subject matter.
Now, after hearing from many college and high school educators who are bringing their students to see the exhibition, I feel that such a sign will not deter most viewers, and could be a good compromise. I recognize that I initially should have given the matter more attention, and now I have the time and space to do so.
This experience has reminded me of the importance of clear and mindful communication, and I acknowledge that I did not communicate as comprehensively as I should have between all parties, including the media.
The bottom line, for me, is that this diverse cacophony of voices of counter-power has a public venue, one that is accessible to all who wish to access it, both randomly and intentionally. I am pleased that so many young people will have the opportunity to see the show in an educational context, and hope folks of all ages will feel empowered, through seeing their own opinions reflected and challenged, to make their voices heard.