Posted on 11/25/2019 7:32:52 AM PST by C19fan
At a current Paul Gauguin exhibition at London’s National Gallery, visitors are warned that the famous French painter had sexual relationships with young girls, including two with whom he fathered children.
A wall text notes, “Gauguin undoubtedly exploited his position as a privileged Westerner [in French Polynesia] to make the most of the sexual freedoms available to him.”
An audio guide even raises the question, “Is it time to stop looking at Gauguin altogether?”
This is what art appreciation has come to: a PC prism through which a painting, a work of literature or even a popular song must be scrutinized for racism, sexism, gender bias or just plain hurt feelings.
New York museums haven’t banned anything yet. But look out: Metropolitan Museum of Art director Max Hollein told The New York Times that, “Art cannot solely be perceived in regard to its beauty and craftsmanship. You also have to evaluate it in light of its political messages.”
(Excerpt) Read more at nypost.com ...
That is priceless. And did your mother faint before she saw the reason for your sister’s exclamation? That is darned funny! What’s not funny is a nude dude doing a headstand!!!!
Karl Marx abused his wife and children. Of his seven children four died of malnutrition and neglect. I assume we are going to have to avoid any books authored by him.
All humans are a mixed bag, and some, particularly some of the most talented or creative more so than usual. We have to take them warts and all, appreciate whatever good they excelled at even as we are reminded of their failings.
The art of Gauguin should not be taken down from museums anymore than should statues of Thomas Jefferson be taken down. Both had some moral failings. Neither was perfect. (Who is?) But both left us some great accomplishments to admire and appreciate.
I think we both looked at each other..and laughed/smiled.
Twas a long time ago....
Yeah...modern art...crazy stuff.
Ditto dat!!
Charlie Chaplin movies, Hitchcock movies, Andy Warhol pieces...on and on.
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