From: Kate Mahoney (kateb@paradise.net.nz)
Date: 09/21/03-02:27:18 PM Z
Well, it's a philosophical argument, surely - and relates to the censorship issue - if nobody thought Witkin was a genius, evil or not, he wouldn't have achieved the level of fame he has. If there are limits, they're the limits of what the public will stomach. And btw, I've often wondered about the influence of films, t.v. etc on psychopathology, but not art. I think there are plenty of ways for psychopaths to get ideas without having to resort to the art shelves in the library ;).
----- Original Message -----
From: ARTHURWG@aol.com
To: alt-photo-process-l@sask.usask.ca
Sent: Sunday, September 21, 2003 9:41 AM
Subject: Re: PS About Witkin Re: Diane Arbu s
Yes, I know Witkin is immensely popular-- as well as financially successful. But if he's a genius I think "evil" must be the operative adjective. Yes, perhaps it's only his imagination that's "psychopathic," and that in every other regard he's a solid citizen. But I doubt it. Yes, it's only "shadows," as someone put it. But there are limits, don't you think? Perhaps Jeffery Dhamer was a Witkin fan. I remember that when the cops opened his fridge and saw those silver painted severed heads, Dhamer told them they were artworks. And the cops believed him. ...... Arthur
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