Below is a Mixed Media Artwork by Dredd Scott called "The Blue Wall of Violence. It is an installation that addresses police brutality. It focuses on the object which the police "mistook" for a dangerous weapon when they shot an unarmed person. The project consists of several elements: On the wall are six actual FBI silhouette targets which police use for shooting practice. Protruding from each of these is a cast of an arm. In each hand is an object-wallet, house keys, 3 Musketeers bar, squeegee, etc. In front of this is a coffin and in front of the coffin are three police batons which each strike it every 10 seconds with a loud penetrating bang.
The artist was attacked in newspaper articles as a "cop-basher" and the public was outraged that taxpayer Art funds went into the exhibit. There was a call to boycott the exhibit by police officers while the African American community supported Dredd Scott's freedom of expression. What are your thoughts. Did this exhibit go too far? Was it harmful? Why or why not? What do you think of Dredd Scott's artwork?
Honestly, I do not think it went too far although the public may of increased people to think differently. I personally believe that art work is to show expressions and emotions, if this is how Dredd Scott wants to show what he believes, then i say go for it. Also, there has been several shootings involving officers firing first thinking the unarmed person had a gun. Everyone makes mistakes, but there comes to a point where you can only make so many when it involves other human beings. Therefore, i do think this piece may of been harmful to some of the public who perhaps doesn't grasp what Scott is really trying to get a crossed. I like his work somewhat because it seems to really speak what he thinks.
ReplyDeleteDo you think the exhibit needed clarification? Do you think that those in the public who are angry refused to look into the meanings and reasons? Do you think as a society we judge too quickly?
ReplyDeleteI dont think it went to far, its just the guys opionion. I could see it as a serious jesture, or just him having a sense of humor about it. Well i could see if your a cop you would get offended, but i dont think you should take the art away.
ReplyDeletei really dont think that it went far every one has there own opinion. if outher people took it the wrong way thats there fault. when artst have a idea they just go for it. there not trying to affend any one .
ReplyDeleteI'll have to agree with Raeney and Sara, he is just expressing his feelings, and not trying to cause problems. I could see why some people could get offended, but like sara said, some police officers have made some mistakes themselves.
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