Is Art Offensive?

By: Lily Mendes

Art by definition is the expression of human imagination. This is a vague explanation of what art truly is, because there’s simply no limit to the human imagination. However, people still feel as though there should be certain subjects to be considered off limits when creating art, while others say that they can create whatever they want because the first amendment protects that right.

Art has been controversial since the early art form, because the line has never been established on where certain pieces that are derogatory should be allowed in the world for all to see. Even in the Renaissance people were mad about “The Last Judgement” art piece created by Michaelangelo for being a different representation of Jesus from traditional beliefs at the time. 

The truth is, Art is all about perspective. All works of art tells a story no matter how simple or complicated it was to create. The interpretations of the work are what create conversations, controversies or problems in a society.

It has been known that the United States has been the most diverse country when it comes to religion, race, and overall freedom, but does that come with problems in the art world? Are people taking advantage of their right to the first amendment or simply using that right?

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

-Constitution of United States of America , Amendment 1

Redwood’s Opinions

Mr. Harris a studio art teacher at Redwood for 5 years, shares his opinion about what art is, and what should and should not be allowed in a school environment.

He believes Art is expression, and whether that expression is offensive or not “ I don’t have the right to tell someone that they can’t create their feelings on the subject.”  Harris talks about his beliefs by personally not creating something that is controversial or in some ways derogatory, however he feels that “ people should still have a voice through their art.”  

Through his art experience Harris has disagreed with many of artists decisions such as Robert Mapplethorpe who is known for creating art pieces specifically targeting religions that he disagreed with. Harris adds that Mapplethorpe’s art pieces are “disrespectful” to many religions in the world, but “it is an opinion” and should be allowed in the world to support other beliefs.

Harris believes Art creates conversation, whether it brings “debates or gatherings” that is the beauty of looking at a piece of art and “wondering what the artist was thinking at that moment.”

Art is not only problematic  in religion, race, sexual orientation, but also the amount of talent that was put into a piece of art. A lot of people would agree that drawing a line on a piece of paper is not art, but some individuals might argue that the effort put in is not the focus but instead the story behind the art.

Harris adds to this subject by projecting that all art has a story. The people viewing a painting, don’t know what the artist’s childhood was like, or if they suffer from anxiety, depression, or other “mental illnesses.” Their painting might tell their life story, even if it only involved one single line across a paper. 

Being a Highschool  teacher, Harris does believe that there should be restrictions on students art at school. In Highschool, students are not allowed to create art that involves nudity, drugs or any other potentially inappropriate subjects. Harris agrees with this because the students “are minors” and should not put a bad name on Redwood High School.

Perla Lopez’21 doesn’t mind having the restrictions in her art class. She feels as though she has “never been limited” in creating whatever she wants. She thinks that although minors should be able to create “nudity or  drug related” art it should not be created in school. She continues to say how she loves this school for it’s diversity and “spirit” so to bring down the school’s name over someone’s opinionated art would be “devastating.”

Lopez shares her opinion on controversial art based off of her own ethnicity and beliefs. She revealed that as a Mexican american, she thinks that her culture or beliefs should not be discussed through art out of “respect” for different ideas. However she feels as though “artists have the right to create” subjects that not everyone agree with.

Art has been and always will be a controversial subject. But who is to say that derogatory subjects can or can not be expressed? Art is offensive through some people’s eyes and beautiful through others. It is all about perspective.

Tags: arts, arts and entertainment, Redwood, redwoodart