Responses to the article "Photos deemed 'too sexual' for Affirmations" and the concurring editorial, "Art is meant to provoke," both published May 14.
Letters to the Editor
I wish I could find the author of this opinion piece so that I could personally applaud her/him for summing up so perfectly the censorship attempt by Affirmations regarding the show, Femmes: Front and Center: II, which showcases the photographic art of Kristin Kurzawa. It is my hope that the decision makers at Affirmations are re-thinking this latest incident and making plans to reinstate the show, giving the LGBTQ community and others in the area the chance to see for themselves the beauty in this collection.
{ITAL Kathi Ganz
Dexter, Mich.}
There was nothing "sexual" about the pictures displayed on the artist's Web site.√äI think there are two points that Jessica's article failed to consider (or perhaps she chose not to).√äBoth√äare based upon the physical appearance of the subjects — not their clothing or the poses.√ä
Unfortunately, in the LGBT community, way too many people place far too much emphasis on physical "perfection".√äMost of the subjects were very rubenesque.√äI wonder — had the subjects been svelte beauty queens, wearing the same outfits in the same poses — would the exhibit have been cancelled? Somehow, I don't think so.√äThe so-called "leaders" of the LGBT Community tend to use pretty boys and beauty queens in any images promoting our community and our causes.√äNews flash for them: there are a LOT of us that are plump, plain, or both.√äAnd we are a part of the community too.√äIn fact, we make up a large portion of it. Maybe it's time they started recognizing our existence.
I also found it interesting that they used Motor City Pride as part of their excuse.√äTo me, it read as if they felt ashamed to show those pictures when there would be a lot of people coming into their center — not because of the "sexual" nature, but because of the "less than perfect" models.√äWhat was it? Were they afraid people would laugh at them or belittle them for showing pictures of full-figured women?√äMr. Coleman said they wanted an exhibit that included many facets of the community.√äWell, add a few photos of everyday plain-faced gay men to these of the lovely ladies, and you've got a much more accurate representation of the community.
I, personally, was quite pleased and impressed by the pictures. They make quite a statement. Women who are proud and happy with who they are. They are not ashamed to be themselves.ÊIsn't that the basic creed of the LGBT community?Ê"Accept who you are, be proud of it, be happy to be you."ÊSomething for the bigwigs at Affirmations to think about.
Larry Ault
Thank you to the editors/publishers of BTL for doing the right thing by defending Kris Kurzawa's rights as an artist to exhibit her at work at Affirmations, and let the art speak for itself and to the community. It is clear that Affirmation's staff members committed a heinous and thoughtless act when they took down an art exhibit for being too "sexual" in nature and possibly harmful to children. What is harmful to children is teaching children to be ashamed of their bodies whether nude or clothed. What harms children is living in a society that does not support freedom of self expression. What harms children is when we as adults pass on our prejudices, and teach them to hate. Affirmations is replicating the crimes of censorship and oppression against it's own community.
{ITAL Margaret M. Smith
Ann Arbor, Mich.}
This IS appalling. Women have bodies too and if Affirmations cant understand and appreciate that then they need some education! Women do not equal whore and sex. GET IT TOGETHER AFFIRMATIONS youre supposed to be representing ALL people not just the rich men who keep your center open.
{ITAL Activist in the Community
Michigan}
During my three-year volunteer tenure as Affirmations' Art Gallery curator there have been about 30 art exhibits and perhaps 40 plus artists taking part. These past exhibits have featured some of the best talents our tri-county metropolitan art communities. The exhibits were diversified and included artists black and white, straight and gay, young and old. At no time has there been objection to, or controversy about, these exhibits. All were favorably attended, favorably commented upon by Affirmations staff, its membership, LGBT and straight viewing publics.
Indeed, these exhibits have been a successful bridge between straight and gay communities, bringing many persons into the center who might not otherwise be tempted to come in and spend time getting acquainted. Word has also gotten out among the art community that the Affirmations Art Gallery is an ideally lighted, carefully monitored, professionally accessible space to be invited to exhibit in.
With reference to the current controversial photography exhibit: 1) I was told that the photographer had had a previous exhibit several years back at the former Affirmations building space, and that she wanted to have another showing; 2) I went to her Web site, viewed her images, finding them to be technically competent, aesthetically focused — though perhaps too slective — in subject matter; 3) I expressed some concern that because the proposed exhibit followed closely a previous — and somewhat similar — photography exhibit, that it might be too soon for√äthis showing; 4) I was later told that there would be only nine large images (hardly enough to fill the art gallery space); 5) I suggested that perhaps previous photography images from a past show or shows might be included.
I subsequently learned that the exhibit was to be pulled because of content. At no time was I asked to provide "my two cents." My response would have been why? Personally I felt most viewers would have had a ho-hum response. Images once seen, quickly forgotten. Given that nudity is more than abundantly available these days for openly viewing in magazines, movies, and on the internet, its presence at Affirmations now and then can hardly be deemed offesive to "family values." (Mayhap, the Detroit Institute of Arts should have an adults only section for its nudes — of which there are more than a few.)
Please be clear about one thing: I firmly believe that Maureen Jones, Affirmations' events coordinator, is not to be faulted for this mishap of judgment and timing. I have the highest respect for Maureen as an art gallery colleague and, over a period of acquaintance, a friend. I'm sure this has been a devastating experience for her. Maureen's input in previous exhibits has been most helpful in terms of display, hanging, publicity, and contact of artists on a professional level.
I'm given to understand that a poll is being solicited about content of art inclusion (should there be frontal nudity? should there be no nudity? etc., etc.). What it comes down to is censorship. (Here the role of a curator is important. It is the curator who invites the artist(s) to participate. The curator is familiar with the artist's work, knows whether or not his or her work is likely to be "untoward," offensive in taste, or lacking in artistic judgement. The curator's role is key. What an art gallery doesn't need is judgment and/or selection by committee — particularly a committee made up primarily of non-artists. Or, for that matter, non-artist executive staff.)
Frankly, this whole business has been poorly handled for whatever reason of panic, prudery, or posture. (I'm sure that that's very apparent now that "the paint's out of the tube, unlikely to be squeezed back in.") Affirmations might want to consider a panel discussion open to the public on art and iterature censorship in the LGBT community. This might go a long way to rectifying the present unfortunate state of affairs.
Having said all this, a non-controversial — but aesthetically pleasing, LGBT-proud — exhibit is planned for Motor City Pride 2009. What follows after that remains to be seen.
{ITAL Charles Alexander
Affirmations gallery curator}
I was shocked and angered to read in the recent issue of Between the Lines of the recent cancellation of Kristin Kurzawa's photography exhibit. As the ONLY local gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community center, I am shocked and dismayed over your treatment of Kristin's work. There was nothing offensive in the nature of her photography, nothing adult-oriented which would have caused discomfort for most people. I have seen more adult-oriented work at your gallery over the past year or so and no one batted an eye. I don't understand how you could have been all set to go with the exhibit and then suddenly pull the carpet from under Kristin's feet. According to the article, everything was all set to go when you sent an e-mail canceling the show. No discussion. Just cancellation.
Playing "safe" is so NOT QUEER! Being queer is a conscious act of defiance. That's what the whole Queer Civil Rights Movement is all about.
Over the years, Affirmations has done many wonderful things with members of the queer community — having a safe place for queer teens, offering some really great programming, but the unwritten policy which Mr. Coleman mentions in the article is bullshit. If the policy was so important, it should have been a written one, to ensure that everyone knew about the policy before problems arose, not while an artist was in process of setting up a show. It is quite obvious that certain rules apply to certain situations.
In the past, you have had nude paintings and photographs without any concern about whether the works were "family-friendly" or not. I know that Affirmations has been at the forefront of providing a safe place for teens and the more adult GLBT community. But with this act of denying free expression from a gifted artist, I say, shame on you!
I know, for one, I will never come back to Affirmations until this climate of censorship has vanished, which I know will not happen. The upper echelon of Affirmations needs a wake-up call. You all should be ashamed for the way you treated Kristin and other artists who want to find spaces to express themselves, whether it be through the art of painting, sculpting, photography or performance.
{ITAL Rob McCabe
Storyteller/Writer/Performance Artist/Activist}
