Discussion 2-Censorship in the Arts

QUESTIONS

A- Chris Ofili’s “The Holy Virgin

1. Please explain Chris Ofili’s “The Holy Virgin” in detail. Make a list of all the things that you see in the work. Describe the subject matter (what it is about, what is happening…)
2. List any feelings or moods you get from the artwork and why? Explain your feelings in detail.
3. What is your opinion/interpretation of Chris Ofili’s ‘The holly Virgin’?
4. Like Mayor Giuliani, do you think Chris Ofili’s work is “sick stuff”? or do you think Ofili raised an important point with the piece in the way he brought beauty and decorativeness together in this work?

B-Robert Mapplethorpe

1. Robert Mapplethorpe did much to expand the photographic medium’s potential, redefining the boundaries of what is taboo for art to approach. He was an American photographer, best known for his black-and-white photographs. His work featured an array of subjects, including celebrity portraits, male and female nudes, self-portraits, and still-life images. After looking at his portfolio (LINK) what is your opinion about Robert Mapplethorpe‘s photographs? You can pick one of the photographs or you can write in general about his work.
2. What do you think about government money that goes to exhibitions with works that might be offensive to some citizens?

Discussion 2-Censorship in the Arts Answer

With wide eyes and parted lips, the central figure in Ofili’s painting stares directly at her beholder, set against a glittering gold background comprised of carefully positioned dots of paint and glitter. Her blue gown falls open to reveal a varnished ball of elephant dung where her breast would be, flowing from the top of her head to the abstract base of her body