AIDS and the Iraq Invasion

Difference & Desire in American Portraiture

The US government, in all it's democracy, doesn't exactly have the best track-record for free-speech. Although constitutionally protected, some things just happen to end up in illegal avenues. The US often criticizes other nations for their un-democratic actions, but it has itself in the past (e.g. in propaganda against the Soviet Union's version of Communism) committed a lot of offenses against human-rights... and still continues to do so today – notably with the Iraq war, and gay rights.

In recent news of the art world (NYT), an exhibit at the National Portrait Gallery in Washington to bring awareness to AIDS was silenced by Republicans and religious groups. The artist's freedom of expression and speech was not recognized, and more importantly - not honored. It seems to be unconstitutional, as although controversial, it contained no hate-speech of any sorts:

The artwork, a video by the artist David Wojnarowicz that included an image of ants crawling on a crucifix, was denounced by members of the religious right and several Republican congressmen. It has since become a rallying point for artists, gay activists and others who view its removal as censorship. The larger show, titled “Hide/Seek,” is about homosexual themes in American portraiture.

Censorship on criticizing the Iraq War.

It was no removed due to direct government intervention, but more as the result of criticism from certain government officials. It was in fact removed by the Smithsonian parent-institution itself. Another such example happened in L.A. California at the Museum of Contemporary Art, where street-art criticizing the evidence-less Iraq invasion by G.W. Bush was removed – an act of censorship in art. Interestingly, although the current administration (hopefully) disagrees with Bush's actions – it still happened. Perhaps there is something wrong with the current system of governing the nation?

The mural depicted coffins covered in dollar bills – a sentiment that likely rings true for anyone familiar with the protest, "No blood for oil." However, the museum shares a neighborhood with a Veterans Affairs hospital and a war memorial to Japanese American soldiers. What do you think...? Was this censorship in action, or sensitivity?

Read more: Hide/Seek: Too Shocking for America.