Art is an enigma
Dawn Kuras
freshman
What is "art?"
I've thought about this question many times. Interestingly enough, I've never found a suitable definition. Still, I do know some things about art. I know art covers a wide range of topics. I know that different cultures have different concepts of art.
So, what is "art?"
Although I can't provide a precise definition, one thing is certain. In every culture, art represents creativity and emotion. Because people are individuals, they have different experiences and beliefs. Art allows people to represent their ideas, and in turn, represent themselves. I might not know exactly what art is, but I know that this is what makes it beautiful — even if it's "anti-Catholic?"
Contrary to what might be a popular belief at Notre Dame, not everyone is Catholic. And if the portrayal of Christ as a woman is anti-Catholic, then so be it. That fact alone doesn't automatically nullify the artistic merit of the work. Nowhere does it say all art must glorify Catholicism.
But what if the sole purpose of the work is "to create shocks and arguments, not to further religion," as Shawn Newberg claimed in his letter on March 8? I'm willing to bet that Giuliani didn't discuss "Yo Mama's Last Supper" with its creator prior to condemning it. I'm willing to bet that most people who are offended by this work didn't consider the reasons why the artist would portray Christ in such a bizarre manner. But I'm also willing to bet that the artist didn't focus time and energy in a shallow attempt to stir controversy.
Perhaps people perceive the work as "outrageous" and "disgusting" because its representation is unfamiliar. According to this logic, it would be right to judge another person based on his physical characteristics. I don't think any person of substance would agree with this idea. Likewise, I don't think it is a wise decision to shun an artwork before its underlying message is analyzed.
Exploring the unknown is the only way people can truly learn. When people condemn an artwork without giving it proper consideration, they are not only cheating the artist out of a voice. They are cheating themselves out of an education.
Dawn Kuras
freshman
Pasquerilla West
March 9, 2001
All Viewpoint Stories for Tuesday, March 20, 2001
