Controversy on the Painting The Holy Virgin Mary

Controversy on the Painting The Holy Virgin Mary

It is crucial to understand that during the late 1990s, the widely known painter Chris Ofili painted an 8-foot painting, “The Holy Virgin Mary,” that showed a dark mother of Jesus Christ that was essentially constructed from elephant waste and pornographic material. The Catholic Church was offended profoundly, and one of the members of the Church, Rudolph Giuliani, the NYC Mayor at this point, and the larger public made efforts to deface the painting (Cosentino, 2000). However, the riveting part about this is that it gained notoriety and managed to travel the world, especially in the Charles Saatchi seminal show, the Sensation.

Besides, from first sight, it may seem easy to tell why the painting raised an uproar, especially with the inclusion of the dung and the collaged pornography. However, the work is virtually more nuanced than it seems to the detractors. The piece essentially reflects the historical precedents on the art, while at the same time, it addresses the notion of religion, pop culture, and identity politics (Cosentino, 2000). The exaggerated facial features draw attention to the racial stereotypes and the generally assumed whiteness of the biblical figures as assumed by the Western representations. As such, it suffices to maintain that his work seeks to confront the likelihood of the black Virgin Mary.

Lastly, it is clear that from my perspective, this work of art raises pertinent questions. However, in addressing various societal concerns, it fails to be sensitive to other factions that may be affected. The painter’s take on the painting manifests the doubt that he previously had on the notion of a virgin giving birth, way back when he was an altar boy. Censorship in art is a fast-rising notion in society (Cosentino, 2000). The policymakers should decide what has to be censored. Since it may affect the First Amendment Rights, too much of something would backfire at times. Society is still largely conservative. Showing this painting is a confrontation with another man’s belief.

Work Cited

Cosentino, D. J. (2000). Hip-hop assemblage: the Chris Ofili affair. African Arts, 33(1), 40-96.

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The Discussion Board is an academic forum. Research is required for all written assignments (textbook, internet, library, etc.). You then must use that research (paraphrasing) to support any statements or claims you make. This gives credibility to your essay. In addition, you are indicating knowledge of what you are learning. That is how the assignments are assessed.

Controversy on the Painting The Holy Virgin Mary

Elaborate on the details, letting me know that you are becoming “fluent” in this new language of art appreciation and can demonstrate visual literacy and critical thinking. Use the terms, phrases and concepts that you are learning in the text when you evaluate specific areas and elements of art. Let me know that you understand the vocabulary by explaining it, not just mentioning it.

Visit the following websites and research the “Sensation” exhibition at The Brooklyn Museum of Art and issues of controversy in the arts: (Copy and paste the links into a browser window)

https://www.brooklynmuseum.org/opencollection/exhibitions/683

http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/entertainment-july-dec99-art_10-8/

https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/1999/10/sens-o18.html

http://www.complex.com/style/2013/10/controversial-art-exhibitions/sensation

https://culturalpolicy.uchicago.edu/unsettling-sensation-arts-policy-lessons-brooklyn-museum-art-controversy

Choose one SPECIFIC work of art from the “Sensation” exhibit that was highly controversial. ARTWORK MUST BE FROM THE SENSATIONS EXHIBITION at the Brooklyn Museum of Art in 1999. Post the image to the DB window, including the artist’s name, title of art, size, materials and date. Answer the following issues:
Describe the artwork and the controversy surrounding it.
What is the message of the artwork? How is it powerful and engaging?
What is your personal response to the art?
What does the artist say about this work? Indicate research.
How do you feel about censorship in the arts? Who would decide what is to be censored? How does this conflict with First Amendment Rights?

Elaborate on the details indicating research and knowledge of the issues surrounding this exhibition.