Yarnbombed Mannequin starts Obscenity Kerfuffle

anybody that knows Yellow Springs, Ohio knows it has a reputation for being alternative,and very liberal.  So who would have guessed that at the 33rd year of Women's Voices Out Loud at the local Village Building this would happen.

LINKS
Yarnbombed Mannequin 


Nobody disputes the right for anyone to be offended and saying so :) Sadly there was no attempt at a mediation process that would have allowed a respectful discussion and consideration of ALL views. Nobody contacted the curator of the Permanent Art Collection or Women's Voices out Loud or any of the artists. I would have been more than happy to consider their feelings about our work in the Women's Voices Out Loud exhibit had I been given the courtesy and opportunity. 

Comments

Sheree Rensel said…
This kind of thing has a long history and it will never go away. It isn't right, but it is. When displaying art in public there will always be somebody who finds something annoying or offensive. If that doesn't happen, I would say the art isn't very effective. That doesn't stop the "outrage" or various points of view.
I think the primary point of all this is when you display in public places, you have to expect the public's perceptions. Even though there are liberal people with open minds, there is always the other side of the coin. "No matter how flat the pancake, there are always two sides." This will always be the case.
I remember I curated a show for Visual Aids way back in the 80's. There was an uproar because the show had to do with AIDS. This show was in a gallery albeit a community art center. There was no nudity, nothing blatantly sexual, or anything to offend. Yet, there was such a Brewhaha! We ended up winning(?). The show stayed up, but we had to put a huge sign of WARNING at the gallery door. It was ridiculous.
I am glad that happened to me because it gave me a very early lesson: if you make the art, be prepared to defend it. You do that well! :-)
7:41 AM
jafabrit said…
I have no issue with someone being offended, and working through it. I have an issue with there being NO attempt at mediation (which is a hallmark of how we usually deal with things in this village). The visceral hostility and knee jerk reaction to a show that has been exhibited for 33 years in the same place (and with plenty of nudes too) is what has taken many of us off guard.
7:50 AM
Anonymous said…
Oh gosh, so sorry this mentality has trickled down into YS...

Of course, it's a reaction fed by some of the current political toxicity but still...

Maybe the show WILL need some kind of moveable-wall-type-buffer, and with a warning/disclaimer on it. My guess is that most people will peek anyway :-) but it will take the wind out of the sails of the 'fussers.' Alot of the time, these people just want something to fuss about...makes them feel more powerful. There may be a little jealousy (of your ballsiness) connected with the complaints.

Sigh. But don't be discouraged...there are lots of us out here that are admiring of and grateful for you ladies! XOXOXO
8:52 AM
RPLancaster said…
Having read your post, the newspaper article and viewing the "offensive art", I have to say, who's ever in charge at the art gallery plus those who work there and have to view it everyday either have a screw loose, little egos that need inflating and no sense of art.
12:53 PM
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