Required Resources
Read/review the following resources for this activity:
• Textbook: Chapter 14
• Lesson
• Minimum of 1 primary sources (artist statement)
• Minimum of 1 scholarly source (in addition to the textbook – from critic)
Instructions
Although controversial art is not a topic exclusive to the 20th and 21st centuries, the distribution of information regarding controversial art has increased with the proliferation of media. Choose an example of a controversial work of art from the 20th or 21st centuries from any discipline of the humanities (music, literature, sculpture, film, television, etc.). Then, address the following:
• Identify the work and the medium.
• Based on your example, to what extent does this work of controversial art make a social contribution?
• What aesthetic value does the work have? How does it reflect the human condition? How does it relate to your life?
• Has this work ever been censored? If so, explain the circumstances.
• Are governments ever justified in censoring art? Why or why not?
• Examine some of the influences of this work of art.
• Argue whether or not this work should be considered art. Explain why using terms learned in this course.