TOW #25: "Censorship, Not the Painting, Must Go"

Artist and writer Coco Fusco's opinion piece on the recent controversy regarding a work surrounding the murder of Emmett Till was enlightening and genuinely interesting to read. I found myself questioning a lot about censorship and the things that constitute 'good art', alongside contemplating the boundaries of social commentary on race. The article argues for a multitude of things: less blind censorship in the art world while maintaining critical consumption of work, and more awareness and context placed behind criticisms of artists and their work.

The controversy in question is surrounding a painting by artist Dana Schutz entitled "Open Casket" which is being displayed at the Whitney Biennial. Protests have been staged in response to the work, calling for its removal and censorship due to the artist behind it being a white female. Heated debates have been sparked with sides in favor of, and against, the censorship of the work. Fusco takes a unique stance on the issue, examining it closely from all sides and doing extensive research to support her argument.

Fusco calls for awareness and context behind criticisms through her appeals to ethos, as her own awareness seems to reach deep beyond recent events. The research she does and knowledge she possesses about historical feats for black artists, alongside the various criticisms the community as a whole has held throughout the years, help pave a solid foundation for the audience's understanding of the events. Fusco uses evidence from various sources to prove that educated and rational arguments stem from analytical thought toward the subject.

Additionally, Fusco's perspective on racial issues adds to her credibility and increases the effectiveness of her argument. She cites sources where such strategies to negate any sort of controversial topic have only added to the problems marginalized groups of people (specifically, the black community) have faced. One quote that stood out to me on this issue was "In the absence of informed discussion, we get unadulterated rage." This rage is clearly displayed in the protests surrounding "Open Casket."

The article led me to think of discussions surrounding 'controversy' differently, and to examine an issue as a whole rather than one specific incident. It helped me get a better appreciation and understanding for the need of opposing viewpoints. It made clear that we need argument and dissent, we need political opposition, but we also need to consider the factors that may lead us down the wrong path.