Toban Talkback

Art debate

Jeanne Fronda, Staff
Photos By David Lipnowski

Recently, an artwork created by a School of Art student was removed from a public place because visitors who saw the artwork felt it was inappropriate. (The art was also in an area where minors could view the work.) The Toban asked: is removing potentially offensive work acceptable?

DJORDGE MILIDRAG, GRADUATE STUDIES ENGLISH

What do you think constitutes inappropriate material?

You have to deal with things on a case by case basis.

Whose role do you think it is to decide what is inappropriate?

It should be up to the individual. If you find it inappropriate, then stay away from it.

Is removing potentially offensive artwork from public areas on campus acceptable? Why or why not?

I think it is ridiculous. We should be able to express ourselves.

DANIELLE BEDARD, THIRD-YEAR ARTS

What do you think constitutes inappropriate material?

There isn’t one [definition] of inappropriate.

Whose role do you think it is to decide what is inappropriate?

The individual should decide what is inappropriate.

Is removing potentially offensive artwork from public areas on campus acceptable? Why or why not?

No, because to them they think it’s art. Some people are going to find it offensive. Just keep it on campus and maybe put a rating on it like for movies.

GEOFFREY MURISON, FIRST-YEAR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

What do you think constitutes inappropriate material?

It’s up to the artist. It’s their vision. People should look more at the quality of the painting.

Whose role do you think it is to decide what is inappropriate?

The artist should have a say or the head of the faculty, because it shouldn’t be condemned.

Is removing potentially offensive artwork from public areas on campus acceptable? Why or why not?

I don’t think so. If they don’t like it, then they don’t have to look at it.

FARHAN ISLAM, FOURTH-YEAR SCIENCE

What do you think constitutes inappropriate material?

It depends on the person. It should be okay because students do what they feel like.

Whose role do you think it is to decide what is inappropriate?

It should first be approved by the arts group or the organization should make a decision before it’s put up.

Is removing potentially offensive artwork from public areas on campus acceptable? Why or why not?

It’s okay because one person isn’t going to affect the entire population, but we should listen to everyone’s complaints.

JEANETTE JOHNS, THIRD-YEAR SCHOOL OF ART

What do you think constitutes inappropriate material?

Things that parents wouldn’t want their children exposed to.

Whose role do you think it is to decide what is inappropriate?

I think it’s up to the space. They know who is walking into their area and know what kind of viewers they have.

Is removing potentially offensive artwork from public areas on campus acceptable? Why or why not?

It has to be acceptable because it’s not an official gallery, but there should be room for debate.