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Author Topic: Bill Henson exhibition closed down by Police  (Read 39239 times)

amsp

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Bill Henson exhibition closed down by Police
« Reply #40 on: May 26, 2008, 09:29:56 am »

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Margaret M. de Lange has some interesting (although very dark) work in which young girls in different states of nakedness appear. She is a Norwegian photographer, which means that she will likely not be bothered by the fear of pornography accusations when making her images. Fortunately. She is represented by Box Gallery in Brussels, the capital of Belgium: http://www.boxgalerie.be .

As some will know Belgium is the mother-of-all-pedophile-fearing-countries, but even there it is possible to have art featuring naked children on display. (It may be interesting to know that a well known leader of a child advocacy group there has recently been convicted for serious sexual abuse of children. This strengthens my belief that dogs bark loudest against what they fear most inside themselves.) Australia should be deeply ashamed for acting like this. I thought it was a modern country, where individual freedom of expression was one of the most sacred values.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=198035\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
Well said. And thanks for mentioning Margaret, very beautiful images.
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jjj

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« Reply #41 on: May 26, 2008, 11:14:12 am »

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.....I remember this album cover from a famous german hard rock band (from the 70's or 80's) my older brother used to have. There was a naked girl/child on the cover. I can't remember questioning this kind of photography back then, but I can understand and accept that this image is perceived differently by others today. ......
[{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
Nirvana - Nevermind?  -   [a href=\"http://www.eatskeet.com/2007/06/27/the-nirvana-nevermind-kid-just-turned-17/]Then+ Now[/url]
Led Zep  -  Led Zep
And there's the hideous Blind Faith cover.
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froesner

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« Reply #42 on: May 26, 2008, 03:38:35 pm »

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Nirvana - Nevermind?  -   Then+ Now
Led Zep  -  Led Zep
And there's the hideous Blind Faith cover.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=198060\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

Scorpions?

[attachment=6793:attachment]
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tom_l

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« Reply #43 on: May 26, 2008, 04:38:03 pm »

Yes, it was the Scorpions cover i was talking about. Don't want to go too much offtopic, It ...well "illustrates" the problem, this kind of picture was accepted back then in the 70's/80's, it isn't anymore today. In the bginning, I was astonished to find people shocked nowadays, it gets regulary voted on on these bad album covers contest, but i find myself unconfortable with it now.
It's a cultural phenomen. After what I saw, Bill Henson aren't even going that far in the explicit (not at all in my opinion) So where is the limit, it just depends on our cultural background and of course the times we live in. It looks like a lot of photos cannot be taken any longer in these days.

Tom
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Sunesha

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« Reply #44 on: May 26, 2008, 06:25:41 pm »

Thanks for the updates.

Artists and art has always been witch-hunted throu the history. I think it is about culture as others mention earlier in the threads. Also it always apply those scream the loudest is mostly heard the most.

Also I hate this trends as this just adds to the fear. If someone would say something positive off this kinda art. They will have live with the fear that some people will apply pedophile tag on them, or just pervert.

I understand the Australian politician and his statement. He was presented this material as child pornography. Who doesn't condemn the exploitation off children?

But I followed this debate, what fears me most is that now. Naked Child = Porn. At least to some.

That just pure sick. That attitude would just add on more on fear off nakedness. If all naked people are sexual content. Well it sure adds problems.

When I was a school boy. In my biological books we learnt how puberty added different shapes and other things to the body. We had naked pre-teens in that book. Will future publishers be afraid to show nakedness in books?

Censorship is the baddest you can do to a human mind. It will add taboos. Taboos leads unhealthy behaviors. People will fear nakedness.

Shall we in western world start cover up our women just off the fears off pedophiles, rapist. Muslims has tradition and religion for that custom. But maybe we shall just do it off fear against ourselves... As all this sexual predators are hunting our weak... Women and children...

Even the old greeks feared the woman nakedness. They where covered with veils in old greek democracy. Maybe women shall just show their features for their married men. If you push the fear off nakedness. After all we save our weak from the predators. As sexual content is about nakedness and not about the brain to some.

Well I am actually quite worked up..   I have worked with this a lot in Sweden. As even in Sweden some our people will try to say naked is porn.
« Last Edit: May 26, 2008, 06:31:59 pm by Sunesha »
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jjj

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« Reply #45 on: May 26, 2008, 07:09:32 pm »

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As even in Sweden some our people will try to say naked is porn.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=198161\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
If someone think all nakedness is porn, then that person is the one with the pornographic mind.
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jjj

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« Reply #46 on: May 26, 2008, 07:15:31 pm »

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And there's the hideous Blind Faith cover.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=198060\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
I should mention it's hideous because of the awful design, that now happens to also be offensive in another way. A friend had it and I remember being surprised it was ever used.
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STEVE K

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« Reply #47 on: May 26, 2008, 08:06:07 pm »

This is such a tough subject. It's like the tallest mountain with a point at the top and straight down both sides. For those of you who feel strongly on the it's ok side where do you draw the line? Ask yourself what that line is, full frontal, legs spread, touching, the list goes on and on, and if you say there should be no limits at all, well I would suspect you have no children and don't understand as a parent what it's like to bring up a child in todays world, trying to teach some kind of moral responsibility, without to much censorship so you child doesn't grow up to sheltered. There's nothing like watching tv with your child and have to explain what a 4 hour erection is and why anyone would want one. viagre has done wonders for the television experience. These points can easily be pointed in the other direction of too much sensorship is horrible also. I for one am happy that I am not the one who has to decide these rules for society, although somebody has to, and yes whatever the answer someone is not going to like it. I have to hope that any rationale adult knows what is right or wrong in this situation, I like a lot of Henson,s work and there are a couple of his works I think are a little over the line.
Poor Leonardo posted a response earlier and he was called illogical,  flamed for what I thought was not a post that condemned anyone but he was condemned for his thoughts. Fear goes both ways, fear of being labled a social devient or  a rightous sob who thinks they're  better than everyone else. The times are a changing and unfortunately a few have caused the rest of us to suffer in both sides of this subject. When you can't let your child play in the front yard unattended because some idiot tried to abduct a child two streets over and they're still looking for the guy, what's a parent to do.  Censorship is not the answer and anything goes is not either. How about we all try for common sense. Although I truly believe this statement,"common sense is becoming more uncommon everyday".  . Have a great art day,  Steve
« Last Edit: May 27, 2008, 12:21:00 am by STEVE K »
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mcfoto

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« Last Edit: May 27, 2008, 02:57:16 am by mcfoto »
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AndreNapier

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« Reply #49 on: May 26, 2008, 11:30:31 pm »

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If someone think all nakedness is porn, then that person is the one with the pornographic mind.
[{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

A man applied for a job in a school. As a part of checking process he was asked to take psychological evaluation.
The Phd showed him a drawing of two butterflies flying and asked him for interpretation.
The man responded that he sees two butterflies ready to make love.
Next the Phd showed him a drawing of two flowers next to each other.
The man responded that he sees two flowers engaged in a foreplay.
Finally the professor showed him a drawing of two clouds connected together.
The man screamed - Those two are already screwing.
The Phd turned to the applicant and said " I am sorry but you failed the test since you are obsessed with sex.
The man replied " I am obsessed with sex?   From what I can see you are the one holding pornography in your drawer.

I at 46 can live my the rest of my life without seeing child nudity, I can live without pornography in general, but I do not want to live without spray paint and spray paint got a total ban in Chicago because some idiots were using it to paint graffiti. Next it will be baseball bats as these are also use for violence. We will be going towards dark ages if we continue this knee jerk reactions based on the actions of elements in the society. There is nothing more natural than nudity. Child or adult    I do not care. It is just natural. If you see it differently than accept the fact about yourself that I am the one holding the pornography in my drawer.
[a href=\"http://AndreNapier.com]http://AndreNapier.com[/url]
« Last Edit: May 26, 2008, 11:31:10 pm by AndreNapier »
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thsinar

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« Reply #50 on: May 26, 2008, 11:40:09 pm »

well said, Andre!

Thierry

Quote
A man applied for a job in a school. As a part of checking process he was asked to take psychological evaluation.
The Phd showed him a drawing of two butterflies flying and asked him for interpretation.
The man responded that he sees two butterflies ready to make love.
Next the Phd showed him a drawing of two flowers next to each other.
The man responded that he sees two flowers engaged in a foreplay.
Finally the professor showed him a drawing of two clouds connected together.
The man screamed - Those two are already screwing.
The Phd turned to the applicant and said " I am sorry but you failed the test since you are obsessed with sex.
The man replied " I am obsessed with sex?   From what I can see you are the one holding pornography in your drawer.

I at 46 can live my the rest of my life without seeing child nudity, I can live without pornography in general, but I do not want to live without spray paint and spray paint got a total ban in Chicago because some idiots were using it to paint graffiti. Next it will be baseball bats as these are also use for violence. We will be going towards dark ages if we continue this knee jerk reactions based on the actions of elements in the society. There is nothing more natural than nudity. Child or adult    I do not care. It is just natural. If you see it differently than accept the fact about yourself that I am the one holding the pornography in my drawer.
http://AndreNapier.com
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=198231\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
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Sunesha

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« Reply #51 on: May 27, 2008, 06:26:43 am »

Quote
A man applied for a job in a school. As a part of checking process he was asked to take psychological evaluation.
The Phd showed him a drawing of two butterflies flying and asked him for interpretation.
The man responded that he sees two butterflies ready to make love.
Next the Phd showed him a drawing of two flowers next to each other.
The man responded that he sees two flowers engaged in a foreplay.
Finally the professor showed him a drawing of two clouds connected together.
The man screamed - Those two are already screwing.
The Phd turned to the applicant and said " I am sorry but you failed the test since you are obsessed with sex.
The man replied " I am obsessed with sex?   From what I can see you are the one holding pornography in your drawer.

I at 46 can live my the rest of my life without seeing child nudity, I can live without pornography in general, but I do not want to live without spray paint and spray paint got a total ban in Chicago because some idiots were using it to paint graffiti. Next it will be baseball bats as these are also use for violence. We will be going towards dark ages if we continue this knee jerk reactions based on the actions of elements in the society. There is nothing more natural than nudity. Child or adult    I do not care. It is just natural. If you see it differently than accept the fact about yourself that I am the one holding the pornography in my drawer.
http://AndreNapier.com
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=198231\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
Execellent reflection
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jjj

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« Reply #52 on: May 27, 2008, 09:51:46 am »

Nice little parable Andre.
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Murray Fredericks

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« Reply #53 on: May 28, 2008, 03:10:25 am »

This Op-Ed piece just about sums up this whole thread!

It's well worth a read...

http://www.smh.com.au/news/elizabeth-farre...1654026711.html
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amsp

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« Reply #54 on: May 28, 2008, 06:44:40 am »

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This Op-Ed piece just about sums up this whole thread!

It's well worth a read...

http://www.smh.com.au/news/elizabeth-farre...1654026711.html
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=198473\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
Very good article. It's comforting to at least see that the local press has it's head screwed on right.
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mmurph

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« Reply #55 on: May 28, 2008, 01:01:34 pm »

Decent discussion here, unlike many others online.

I am not a big supporter of older men taking pictures of female nudes (even legal age) and calling it "art." So much so, that in many places "fine art photography" = "female nude", which is BS.

But Henson's work is something else. Much more evocative, psychological, and creative. Important work in many ways.

I think those complaining underestimate the sexual knowledge of the teenagers posing, and of teenagers in general. There are many 14 and 15 year olds that are sexually active and know as much - or more -than many adults.  

In that context, I see this as partly a copllaboration with the models, to comment on their very real experiences.

Now when it come sto violent imagery, even on prime time television, I think we in the US have gone far overboard in allowing violence!  

I watched CSI - once - and the first 10 minutes was about people scraping body parts off a highway. Truly vulgar!.    

Best,
Michael
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jjj

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« Reply #56 on: May 28, 2008, 01:18:58 pm »

On that note, I've always thought it bizarre that things we are legally allowed to do, in fact need to do to survive genetically are the things that cause the most outrage if shown i.e. sex/human reproduction in particular, yet entertainment is filled by portrayals of things we are not even allowed to do. Violence, rape, murder, torture are all major parts of our normal entertainment on TV and in the cinemas.  Though it's also not unusual to see animals shagging on TV, so something seems a little screwed up. So to speak!
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Sunesha

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« Reply #57 on: May 28, 2008, 04:28:53 pm »

Violence content isn´t taboo in our society. Not the same ways as sexual content. Violence is part off our society so is sexual things. The difference is that how we see on this.

For me personally I think violence is more disturbing. I think war is one off the humans social inventions that is far more disturbing. But is all about presentation.

Our fascination with sex really contradicts our own social taboos.
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marc gerritsen

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« Reply #58 on: May 28, 2008, 08:37:24 pm »

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Very good article. It's comforting to at least see that the local press has it's head screwed on right.
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not nessecarily so

[a href=\"http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2008/05/28/1211654120223.html]http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2008/05/28/1211654120223.html[/url]
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klane

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« Reply #59 on: May 28, 2008, 08:49:42 pm »

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I at 46 can live my the rest of my life without seeing child nudity, I can live without pornography in general, but I do not want to live without spray paint and spray paint got a total ban in Chicago because some idiots were using it to paint graffiti.
http://AndreNapier.com
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=198231\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]


I'm sure you did not mean to make a blanket statement, but there are some seriously talented street artists out there making some amazing art.
« Last Edit: May 28, 2008, 08:50:31 pm by klane »
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