Espana Gallery

“What are your thoughts on modern day censorship? Are you offended by the images?” #comments please!

| Kat Thorsen

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!”

– Anna Thorsen

www.bypoststreet.com
#FEARNOART

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See also: 

Fear No Art

20 years ago my art was protested

Post no bills: can free art change the world?

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…
 
Anyhow, fuck them! That’s all I’ll say. – M.R.
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Wow – the things people find offensive! Strata councils are the worst, though. Too bad – it was a cool space & could have been a showcase for interesting art. – J. M.
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What a shame! Absolutely fucking ridiculous. You’re offended by breasts and a vagina? Jesus. Not only is it censorship of beautiful art but it’s also indicative of the rampant idiocy that permeates Vancouver strata councils, members of which are often drunk on the tiny bit of power the council invests their miserable lives. ‘m a resident of Espana. I’m offended they’ve been taken down. If I weren’t just a tenant and I could actually go to the strata meetings and say something and have it be taken seriously, I would. – D.A.
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Someone obviously has way too much time on their hands to cause such a hassle – DISGUSTED….this is ART FOLKS…The Strata needs a RETHINK….seriously…. T. L-P
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I think Kat should see if a meeting with these people is possible. I want to know if they would be able to express how offended they are after hearing how this art came to be. – P.B.
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I can’t believe they actually did that! How can you censor art? If we were to take down everything that offended someone, there would BE no art in the world! People need to get over themselves and open their eyes to the world. E.W.
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I am constantly amazed by the lack of evolution of mankind. Long live ‘FEAR NO ART.’ – P.H.
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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

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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.
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??? baffled – S.P.
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That is very sad news. -J.S.
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This does not make sense. – L.K.
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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.
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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.
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THIS BLOWS. N.T.
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Ugh.  Our building is so bland now… – S.H.
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Library bomb
 

“Drawing on Pain” at Espana Gallery closing early due to protests from tenants.

| Kat Thorsen

UPDATE!

It as an interesting experiment to have “Drawing on Pain” exhibited in a lobby gallery. Experiment has to end early as some tenants are expressing concern over the subject matter and have asked that the show be taken down. Understood. Thank you, The Espana Gallery, for the opportunity while it lasted!

The show will end Sept 22.  I just received this message from the curator:

“Unfortunately, tomorrow I have to take your work down from the Espana. The manager has called me to say that a group of people are offended by the nudity, language , etc. And they won’t back off of him. One of these people is the strata council so they are really pressuring him. I have my own thoughts about this, but I don’t really have a choice at this point. I apologize.” 

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DRAWING ON PAIN exhibits my personal therapeutic process as I utilize art to help me process the difficult challenges I have encountered (and continue to encounter) in my life– such as divorce, cancer, my friends’ suicides, financial struggles and planning the road ahead.  I call myself a Kahloist and often find it healing to utilize the image of Frida Kahlo to express that internal pain for me.   By facilitating the need for self-expression through drawing, I lighten the load in my heart.

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Drawing is the honesty of the art. – Salvador Dali

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DRAWING ON PAIN Aug 29- Oct 13, 2013

ESPANA GALLERY

689 Abbott Street, Vancouver BC

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Unfold your wings as you fall. Drawing on Pain at Espana Gallery Aug 29-Oct 13

| Kat Thorsen

Jump, and you will find out how to unfold your wings as you fall.
– Ray Bradbury 

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DRAWING ON PAIN Aug 29- Oct 13, 2013

ESPANA GALLERY

689 Abbott Street, Vancouver BC

Curator, sales manager: Angie Heintz 778 773 2861

infor@angieheintz.com

ARTIST’S STATEMENT:

“My painting carries with it the message of pain.” – Frida Kahlo

DRAWING ON PAIN exhibits my personal therapeutic process as I utilize art to help me process the difficult challenges I have encountered (and continue to encounter) in my life– such as divorce, cancer, my friends’ suicides, financial struggles and planning the road ahead.  I call myself a Kahloist and often find it healing to utilize the image of Frida Kahlo to express that internal pain for me.   By facilitating the need for self-expression through drawing, I lighten the load in my heart.

EXHIBIT LIST: DRAWING ON PAIN

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The show is up until Oct 13. at 689 Abbott street ( just buzz #7777 at the door anytime for entrance).

If you are interested in purchasing any of the work shown, please contact Angie Heintz at info@angieheintz.com or call 778.773.2861

Drawing on Pain at Espana Gallery Aug 29-Oct 13: exhibit list

| Kat Thorsen

A huge thank you to Angie Heintz and The Espana Gallery and to everyone who attended the August 29, 2013 opening. What a fabulous crowd! Thanks for listening so intently and for your support.

Thank you as well to those who provided interviews for the documentary FEAR NO ART w. Patti Henderson.

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You have all empowered me and I am so grateful for this opportunity!

ARTIST’S STATEMENT:

“My painting carries with it the message of pain.” – Frida Kahlo

DRAWING ON PAIN exhibits my personal therapeutic process as I utilize art to help me process the difficult challenges I have encountered (and continue to encounter) in my life– such as divorce, cancer, my friends’ suicides, financial struggles and planning the road ahead.  I call myself a Kahloist and often find it healing to utilize the image of Frida Kahlo to express that internal pain for me.   By facilitating the need for self-expression through drawing, I lighten the load in my heart.

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The show is up until Oct 13. at 689 Abbott street ( just buzz #7777 at the door anytime for entrance).

If you are interested in purchasing any of the work shown, please contact Angie Heintz at info@angieheintz.com or call 778.773.2861

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EXHIBIT LIST: DRAWING ON PAIN

DRAWING ON PAIN: Aug 29 – Oct 13, 2013 at Espana Gallery, Vancouver BC

| Kat Thorsen

DRAWING ON PAIN

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Aug 29- Oct 13, 2013

Opening August 29, 2013 7-9 PM
Espana Gallery
689 Abbott Street
Vancouver BC
Includes Artist Talk

DRAWING ON PAIN exhibits my personal therapeutic process as I utilize art to help me process the difficult challenges I have encountered (and continue to encounter) in my life– such as divorce, cancer, my friends’ suicides, financial struggles and planning the road ahead.  I call myself a Kahloist and often find it healing to utilize the image of Frida Kahlo to express that internal pain for me.   By facilitating the need for self-expression through drawing, I lighten the load in my heart.

My painting carries with it the message of pain. – Frida Kahlo

EXHIBIT LIST