Re: Drawing on Pain Closes Early
“A couple days ago we had to take down Kat Thorsen’s exhibit at 689 Espana (pictured left), the by post street in-house artist’ due to complaints of the content (nudity, language etc) from the building.
This is the perfect opportunity for us to start the conversation: What are your thoughts on modern day censorship? Are you offended by the images? Do you hate them, like them or love them? Leave a comment or email info@bypoststreet.com with your reactions. We’d LOVE to hear from you!”
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Comments to date:
I’m so sorry to see your post about the Espana Gallery. I couldn’t believe it. I actually had to look back through all the pieces to try and decipher what someone could have found offensive about it. Like, really, a tiny naked woman (and a recognizable icon at that!) can still rile people up?!
Honestly, someone should go door to door in that condo and take a poll to see who’s offended and who’s not. Cause I can guarantee you it’s one stuffy stump pulling out their strata card for influence. There should be a vote!
It’s often the case people who feel powerless take on positions of perceived power (like strata’s) to bully other people to accept their point of view…
I’m also confused … can’t possibly imagine what anyone would object to, or why they would want such radiant and moving pieces moved out of sight (unless it’s causing them to reflect on pains and issues not yet dealt with … )
… and let there be more of such beauty, too …. -E.V
— Wow, really? That is really unfortunate. Your art is amazing and should be shared. My girls and I peered thru the widows the other day, such great work Kat. Vancouverites can be so bland sometimes…sheesh! – A. B. — ??? baffled – S.P. — That is very sad news. -J.S. — This does not make sense. – L.K. — Was just reading the post re: censorship of your exhibit. I can’t fucking believe it! Seriously? What could possibly offend anyone about the images? Kat, your art is profound and the story of how your art is created is even more profound. But there is obviously a place where you are pushing boundaries for people. I do find life is most interesting at the bleeding edge of the wedge. Curiosity gets me through craziness. But underneath my curiosity (or maybe riding above it) is just frustration at limited thinking. Censorship without dialogue? I’m also curious – was there consensus? Who was behind the complaint? How many voices were heard? – L.M. — Utterly ridiculous. That’s the crazy thing about naked bodies- we all have one. How is that offensive? Someone needs to lighten up. Sad that in a supposedly liberal and open minded city we still have people attempting to shame people for artistic expression. – J.L. — THIS BLOWS. N.T. — Ugh. Our building is so bland now… – S.H. —
I too had to re look at the exhibition and imagine that I was someone with a closed mind to see what someone may have taken offense to. All I saw was one swear word hidden amongst marks and images, cartoon like breasts and a woman having a baby. What shone through on every piece was a strong sense of expression, emotions and incredible mark making, use of colours and layers and extraordinary illustration. How could someone be blinded by the beauty of the mark making / talent itself ? I too am very disappointed and have more to say but must refrain. I knew that the show would stir up discussion – and it did ! So well done. Can’t wait to see your future work. A.H.
This is disheartening. Art has such power to move us and invoke strong emotion. Censorship quells expression. When people are offended by art, I often wonder if it is because the work in question evokes feelings or memories within themselves that they are afraid of, are out of touch with or unwilling to examine.