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Re: Censorship issues



If nothing else, give Gary credit for an effective job of self-promotion.

Gary writes:

"I have photographed naked bodies and put them up there on the wall.  My
intent is not for them to be anything.  If someone sees them as beautiful or
pornographic, or feels ashamed or shocked by the images, then that is a
reflection of themselves.  I have present neutral images and everyone is
going to react differently."

"Neutral images"?!!  Are these really photographs with no intent, no heart,
or no soul?  If so, what's the point?  Why not just train your pet monkey to
snap the shutter?

I can only surmise that your 'blame the viewer' attitude is a feeble cop-out
to cover a lack of talent and an unwillingness to stand behind your work.
Have you signed that release of liability yet?  As a fellow photographer, I
take responsibility for (and pride in) the reactions viewers have to my
work.

Gary again:

"The internet is notorious for pornography
and in that venue we as artists have to constantly legitimize our work as
being art and not pornography.  Also with the internet's vaster market, the
images could be used for pornographic purposes.  These types of things would
not happen in a gallery."

Speak for yourself, but I am one of many artists who NEVER has to
"constantly legitimize" my work as being art rather than pornography on the
internet.  If you fear that your work could be illicitly copied and then
presented as pornography, isn't it reasonable to assume that it IS
pornography (at least in the minds of some)?  We're all mature adults here
Gary (at least I think we are ;-) ), so why not post your 'controversial'
photo to a website?  Better yet, why not post all your exhibition photos?
Wouldn't a pre-exhibition critique from your friends at alt-photo be
helpful?  Wouldn't you like to prove me wrong?

Best regards from Big Wonderful Wyoming,
Dave Rose AKA Cactus Cowboy
BTW - It may surprise some on this list, but I'm a "right-wing conservative"
who actually likes nude photography (and supports freedom of expression).