[Solution] HUMN303N-Week 7 Assignment: Controversial Art and Censorship

Course  

HUMN303N – Introduction to Humanities

Required Resources
Read/review the following resources for this activity:

  • Textbook: Chapter 14
  • Lesson
  • Minimum of 1 primary sources (artist statement)
  • Minimum of 1 scholarly source (in addition to the textbook – from critic)

Instructions
Although social justice art is not a topic exclusive to the 20th and 21st centuries, the distribution of information regarding controversial art with gender, race, sexual, and/or environmental themes has increased with the proliferation of media. Choose an example of a social justice work of art from the 20th or 21st centuries from any discipline of the humanities (music, literature, sculpture, film, television, etc.). Then, address the following:

  • Identify the work and the medium.
  • Based on your example, to what extent does this work of art make a social contribution?
  • What aesthetic value does the work have? How does it reflect the human condition? How does it relate to your life?
  • Has this work ever been censored? If so, explain the circumstances.
  • Are governments ever justified in censoring art? Why or why not?
  • Examine some of the influences of this work of art. What was the public reaction to this work? Does it effectively portray its message?
  • Argue whether or not this work should be considered art. Explain why using terms learned in this course.
  • Include an accompanying statement from the artist(s) and a statement from a critic to support your points.

Writing Requirements (APA format)

  • Length: 1.5-2 pages (not including title page or references page)
  • 1-inch margins
  • Double spaced
  • 12-point Times New Roman font
  • Title page
  • References page (minimum of 1 scholarly source and 1 primary source)

Grading
This activity will be graded based on the W7 Essay Grading Rubric.

SOLUTION  

Controversial Art and Censorship

The social justice aspects seek to address the relationship between art and social change in society. This aspect reflects on age, sex, gender, and race, among others. In this regard, Picasso’sLes Demoiselles d’Avignon of 1907 is a controversial painting that greatly conceptualizes the elements of social justice (Rubin et al., 1994). The painting depicts five naked women standing in an aggressive and confident pose and their faces replaced with African masks. The art piece style reflected a combination of elements derived from classical African art and contemporary art made substantive milestones in influencing social change in art expression. The most significant impact was the movement of cubist art. The painting rolled out controversy based on the sexual theme and bold expression.

The aesthetic element of the painting is represented by the beauty of the human body in its essence. The painting boldly displays human biology and creates controversy by using five female sex workers from a Barcelona brothel as inspiration for the art. The art provokes appreciation of the human anatomy and alludes to the need for self-acceptance (Schiff, 2021). Picasso’s work appeals to me to accept, appreciate, and love my body as it is and be confident about my life choices.

This artwork led to controversy in the art world and caused a social stir even among his peers. The painting was initially banned from public display based on the depiction of nude prostitutes. Further, to avoid censorship, the artist was forced to change the name as it was initially titled The Brothel of Avignon. Governments often censor various works such as paintings and even films based on the message portrayed ….please click the purchase button below to access the entire solution at $10