what a treat to find your email in my inbox. Your thoughtful and engaging posts were sorely missed.
Regarding censorship, the only outright case of my art being excluded from a show was in China! My tapestry of Somalian refugees was seen as glorifying the Uyghurs (and this was in the early 2000's). I was told Mao's daughter had viewed the preview and did not like the work. As a compromise after my complaints, the work was hung in a hallway.
On this continent (I am Canadian) I have been told my art will offend people but I have never had it taken down from a show and controversial tapestries have been juried into group shows. One tapestry, an image in the style of a Russian icon except that the madonna was holding a teddy bear, provoked a lot of comments ranging from "Christians will be offended" to "The blessed mother loved everyone" (This was a nun and I think she saw the teddy bear as a black baby). The tapestry appeared in many exhibits at the time.
Barbara! So good to hear from you! I'm not surprised to hear about censorship in China -- it's something Ai WeiWei talks about. Amazing that you got eyes on your work from Mao's daughter. Interesting how different cultures interpret imagery according to their local contexts.
And the comments you had on the madonna holding a teddy bear... why are people so fearful of letting others make up their own minds? Fascinating stories, thanks for sharing!
It will be interesting to see what this survey turns up! I find a split in my answer so I have a yes-but answer: I don’t create political visual art—I do, however, write prolifically. When I do, it usually addresses how creativity can be used against fascism based upon history or how to defend against the oncoming digital dark age we are entering blindly. So my work is about waking people up to what is possible. In this there is criticism which easily could be censored or banned.
I DO think about this when I post, and I have stopped posting links to my writings here on other platforms under the watch of oligarchical right wing figures. Unfortunately a similar shift is underway here and I find myself considering what to do about it, as I begin to restrict access to certain themes of my work. This research has sprouted my Sunday Owning The Pen series about claiming our own spaces independent of platforms to house our work. I figure, whatever I come up with as a solution, everyone is entitled to as well.
So? Yes… But—I am doing something about it so I won’t have to keep saying ‘Yes.’
👉🏻So should everyone else. Make the decisions and shift now, before things get narrower.
Inevitably I believe everyone will have a degree of Yes. The pendulum swing has only begun its arc. History shows us, century after century what happens in the next 40 years does not shift momentum until it has fully swing its arc. We are only in its outset, my friends. Buckle up.
Thanks for your thoughts on all of this LaMonica. Have you experienced any hostility on Substack? I haven't posted for over a year and I haven't been hugely present here so I'm not sure how much it has changed. But I do see voices here from across the political spectrum, which I welcome. I'm a firm believer in freedom of expression, and I'll defend those I don't agree with as much as those I do. I've subscribed to your sub stack and look forward to reading your work.
Fortunately I haven’t but it’s a hornet’s nest if it gets disturbed—I know others who have been targeted and are quite disheartened. I have gone out in a limb in a few of my pieces expecting push back, and found some subscribers I had to eliminate before I became more targeted. I comb through new subscribers weekly to try to limit friction.
A fellow art history writer, @Rogue Art Historian has unfortunately has her share. It’s heartbreaking when quality work becomes the object of a hate campaign. It is a battlefield out there now, one that can easily wear us out. We stay together and watch eachother’s backs the best we can, but it gets exhausting at times.
Thank you for tagging me in this. Yes, unfortunately I’ve dealt with my share….from bigoted DMs to the occasional misogynist restacking my work, berating everything from my choice of words as a sexual assault survivor to spouting right-wing propaganda. It can be draining, and at times it feels like a battlefield. But knowing we have each other’s backs makes all the difference. I just subscribed as well….solidarity really does help carry us through.
Allison! How brilliant to hear from you! Thank you for your kind words. Hope things are going well with your art practice. Make sure you send me info on any exhibitions you're in, and I'll share in the newsletter.
Thank you Victoria! It made my day seeing that you were back. Are you continuing the podcast, too? I will definitely let you know about upcoming exhibitions. I am having one in Basel, Switzerland but I don't know the details yet. Hugs, Allison
It’s a no to the podcast although I might audio record the transcripts of my emails as the automated voices you get on substack don’t sound great. Will have a think. Definitely send me details of Basel when you have them x
I was so happy to see you in my inbox this morning! As an (ashamed and utterly appalled) American, I am horrified at the Trump administration’s attack on the Smithsonian (and public radio, science in general, and immigrants - the list could go on). I have never seen a flag burning here, but like with everything, I’m not surprised he’s making it seem like it is happening all the time everywhere. During the No Kings protest I attended, many people were proudly reclaiming the American flag in the name of the constitution and founding fathers, so I’m not even sure who would be burning them at this point.
I love that you will feature artists and this new format. Thank you for putting your thoughts into the world!
Laura! So good to hear from you and thank you for your kind words!
Interesting to know that burning the American flag is not a thing -- I suspected as much. I love how Americans embrace / reclaim / reinterpret the American flag in different ways. It brings people together. I wish there was more pride and creativity around the flag here. There's so much negativity attached to the St George's flag.
Yes! As if it’s happening everywhere, when it may be one or two occurrences out of context!
We are being subjected to a fiction of ‘problems’ in order to avoid actually addressing the real ones. Attempting to rewrite the permissible dialogue of what the United States, or any country is about has traditionally failed because there are always those who remember once the dust has cleared.
The attack on The Smithsonian and the publicly funded museums opens up a new chapter on private funding and the expansion of galleries and museums which can maintain a clear voice. We are actually at an interesting threshold; it will be interesting to see who goes to any of these curated institutions displaying censored work and history. My suspicion is their business model will have to change.
Unfortunately creating and maintaining grass roots support of the ‘free arts’ will be an uphill battle. Encouraging artists to maintain their own, uncensored voice requires creating and supporting spaces tolerant of an open dialogue where they can show their work. Suddenly restaurants, shops and community spaces become the place to create more exhibition areas. Instead of striving toward prestige gallery representation, artists will need to return to their communities. Decentralization is key.
Attending protests wearing some representation of art with your or a fellow artist’s voice, rather than being repressed to create art which has none, would be the new approach and goal.
It’s wonderful to have you back and read your page again, packed with captivating perspectives that encourage further research and reflection. Thank you! I enjoyed both videos of Pop L and Pfeiffer.
Ann! Thank you for your kind words and I'm glad to hear you enjoyed the videos I've posted. Looking forward to more discussions with you! It's good to be back.
I am so proud and delighted that you are back again, as l do not think that any body matches your abilities to command with such clarity the subjects you bring to your readers.
Yes, all good here! I’m really excited because I’ve just published a book on London street art. It brings together interviews with local artists, my own reflections, history, documentation, fine art photography, and urbanism. I think you’d enjoy it, because it doesn’t reduce street art to a catalog of murals, but looks at both the tension and the beauty, the fleeting and the monumental. I won’t drop a link here so as not to be spammy under your post, but you can find more details and photos on my profile if you’re curious. 😉
This sounds brilliant and interesting, and right up my street Giulia. This is the perfect place to share what you're up to so don't hesitate. There's nothing spammy about it! In fact The Gallery Companion chat would be a great place to post about your new book and share with other readers. Post the link here and I'll share with readers.
So happy to read this! Welcome back xxx
Thanks Pels! I’m out the other side and able to think again!
what a treat to find your email in my inbox. Your thoughtful and engaging posts were sorely missed.
Regarding censorship, the only outright case of my art being excluded from a show was in China! My tapestry of Somalian refugees was seen as glorifying the Uyghurs (and this was in the early 2000's). I was told Mao's daughter had viewed the preview and did not like the work. As a compromise after my complaints, the work was hung in a hallway.
On this continent (I am Canadian) I have been told my art will offend people but I have never had it taken down from a show and controversial tapestries have been juried into group shows. One tapestry, an image in the style of a Russian icon except that the madonna was holding a teddy bear, provoked a lot of comments ranging from "Christians will be offended" to "The blessed mother loved everyone" (This was a nun and I think she saw the teddy bear as a black baby). The tapestry appeared in many exhibits at the time.
Welcome back.
Barbara Heller
Barbara! So good to hear from you! I'm not surprised to hear about censorship in China -- it's something Ai WeiWei talks about. Amazing that you got eyes on your work from Mao's daughter. Interesting how different cultures interpret imagery according to their local contexts.
And the comments you had on the madonna holding a teddy bear... why are people so fearful of letting others make up their own minds? Fascinating stories, thanks for sharing!
It will be interesting to see what this survey turns up! I find a split in my answer so I have a yes-but answer: I don’t create political visual art—I do, however, write prolifically. When I do, it usually addresses how creativity can be used against fascism based upon history or how to defend against the oncoming digital dark age we are entering blindly. So my work is about waking people up to what is possible. In this there is criticism which easily could be censored or banned.
I DO think about this when I post, and I have stopped posting links to my writings here on other platforms under the watch of oligarchical right wing figures. Unfortunately a similar shift is underway here and I find myself considering what to do about it, as I begin to restrict access to certain themes of my work. This research has sprouted my Sunday Owning The Pen series about claiming our own spaces independent of platforms to house our work. I figure, whatever I come up with as a solution, everyone is entitled to as well.
So? Yes… But—I am doing something about it so I won’t have to keep saying ‘Yes.’
👉🏻So should everyone else. Make the decisions and shift now, before things get narrower.
Inevitably I believe everyone will have a degree of Yes. The pendulum swing has only begun its arc. History shows us, century after century what happens in the next 40 years does not shift momentum until it has fully swing its arc. We are only in its outset, my friends. Buckle up.
Thanks for your thoughts on all of this LaMonica. Have you experienced any hostility on Substack? I haven't posted for over a year and I haven't been hugely present here so I'm not sure how much it has changed. But I do see voices here from across the political spectrum, which I welcome. I'm a firm believer in freedom of expression, and I'll defend those I don't agree with as much as those I do. I've subscribed to your sub stack and look forward to reading your work.
Fortunately I haven’t but it’s a hornet’s nest if it gets disturbed—I know others who have been targeted and are quite disheartened. I have gone out in a limb in a few of my pieces expecting push back, and found some subscribers I had to eliminate before I became more targeted. I comb through new subscribers weekly to try to limit friction.
A fellow art history writer, @Rogue Art Historian has unfortunately has her share. It’s heartbreaking when quality work becomes the object of a hate campaign. It is a battlefield out there now, one that can easily wear us out. We stay together and watch eachother’s backs the best we can, but it gets exhausting at times.
Thank you for tagging me in this. Yes, unfortunately I’ve dealt with my share….from bigoted DMs to the occasional misogynist restacking my work, berating everything from my choice of words as a sexual assault survivor to spouting right-wing propaganda. It can be draining, and at times it feels like a battlefield. But knowing we have each other’s backs makes all the difference. I just subscribed as well….solidarity really does help carry us through.
So happy and grateful you are back!
Allison! How brilliant to hear from you! Thank you for your kind words. Hope things are going well with your art practice. Make sure you send me info on any exhibitions you're in, and I'll share in the newsletter.
Thank you Victoria! It made my day seeing that you were back. Are you continuing the podcast, too? I will definitely let you know about upcoming exhibitions. I am having one in Basel, Switzerland but I don't know the details yet. Hugs, Allison
It’s a no to the podcast although I might audio record the transcripts of my emails as the automated voices you get on substack don’t sound great. Will have a think. Definitely send me details of Basel when you have them x
I was so happy to see you in my inbox this morning! As an (ashamed and utterly appalled) American, I am horrified at the Trump administration’s attack on the Smithsonian (and public radio, science in general, and immigrants - the list could go on). I have never seen a flag burning here, but like with everything, I’m not surprised he’s making it seem like it is happening all the time everywhere. During the No Kings protest I attended, many people were proudly reclaiming the American flag in the name of the constitution and founding fathers, so I’m not even sure who would be burning them at this point.
I love that you will feature artists and this new format. Thank you for putting your thoughts into the world!
Laura! So good to hear from you and thank you for your kind words!
Interesting to know that burning the American flag is not a thing -- I suspected as much. I love how Americans embrace / reclaim / reinterpret the American flag in different ways. It brings people together. I wish there was more pride and creativity around the flag here. There's so much negativity attached to the St George's flag.
Yes! As if it’s happening everywhere, when it may be one or two occurrences out of context!
We are being subjected to a fiction of ‘problems’ in order to avoid actually addressing the real ones. Attempting to rewrite the permissible dialogue of what the United States, or any country is about has traditionally failed because there are always those who remember once the dust has cleared.
The attack on The Smithsonian and the publicly funded museums opens up a new chapter on private funding and the expansion of galleries and museums which can maintain a clear voice. We are actually at an interesting threshold; it will be interesting to see who goes to any of these curated institutions displaying censored work and history. My suspicion is their business model will have to change.
Unfortunately creating and maintaining grass roots support of the ‘free arts’ will be an uphill battle. Encouraging artists to maintain their own, uncensored voice requires creating and supporting spaces tolerant of an open dialogue where they can show their work. Suddenly restaurants, shops and community spaces become the place to create more exhibition areas. Instead of striving toward prestige gallery representation, artists will need to return to their communities. Decentralization is key.
Attending protests wearing some representation of art with your or a fellow artist’s voice, rather than being repressed to create art which has none, would be the new approach and goal.
It’s wonderful to have you back and read your page again, packed with captivating perspectives that encourage further research and reflection. Thank you! I enjoyed both videos of Pop L and Pfeiffer.
Ann! Thank you for your kind words and I'm glad to hear you enjoyed the videos I've posted. Looking forward to more discussions with you! It's good to be back.
Wonderful to have you back.
Thanks Leila! It feels good to be writing about art again.
Darling what a delight to read your articles.
I am so proud and delighted that you are back again, as l do not think that any body matches your abilities to command with such clarity the subjects you bring to your readers.
Elizabeth
I'm so happy you are back!
Thanks Giulia and do good to hear from you. Hope it’s all going well for your graff tours?
Yes, all good here! I’m really excited because I’ve just published a book on London street art. It brings together interviews with local artists, my own reflections, history, documentation, fine art photography, and urbanism. I think you’d enjoy it, because it doesn’t reduce street art to a catalog of murals, but looks at both the tension and the beauty, the fleeting and the monumental. I won’t drop a link here so as not to be spammy under your post, but you can find more details and photos on my profile if you’re curious. 😉
This sounds brilliant and interesting, and right up my street Giulia. This is the perfect place to share what you're up to so don't hesitate. There's nothing spammy about it! In fact The Gallery Companion chat would be a great place to post about your new book and share with other readers. Post the link here and I'll share with readers.
Thank you!!! So… here it is: https://open.substack.com/pub/giuliablocalblog/p/london-street-art-book?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=bzv4z
Great to have you back. Genuinely happy to see your name pop up on my screen 🧡
Thanks Sian. Feels good to be writing about art again ❤️