Blu's controversial mural: Censorship or sensitivity?

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Permalink Reply by Kevin on December 28, 2010 at 6:42pm

This flat out censorship and a real lack of courage on Jeffery Dietch's part. Dietch admits that no one complained about the mural meaning that he is the one who found it offensive which brings his support of free speach and street art into question. The artist Blu has stated that he ran across several veterans while working on the project and all the feedback was positive. He also correctly points out that anti war movements are often lead by former soldiers. Also if Dietch is a supporter of street art he should have known the kind of work that Blu does and picked someone he considers safer.

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Permalink Reply by James Kay on December 29, 2010 at 1:06am

Well, it's censorship AND sensitivity.

Most censors are well intended just as this one was almost certainly well intended.

I think where this particular censor failed is in assuming the veterans and Japanese Americans would necessarily disagree with the sentiment of the mural. Some would certainly appreciate having their views reinforced by this mural.

The power of freedom of speech is that it both exposes people to views they may not intentionally consider and the reinforce the many individuals who would not otherwise know their view was shared by others. Both of these effects are critical to a free society.

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Permalink Reply by Yolanda Tamez on December 30, 2010 at 9:12am

Considering the area and the fact that it was by a veterans affairs hospital, I would look at that as being distasteful but as for the artist we all want to be able to express art,. but in light of the hospital, it's not appropriate....people who give there lives for our country and end up with disabilities,. if I saw that,. it would only add to the idea that wars are fought for the sake of money and nothing more.......Wars should never be fought for the sake of a buck....but know this is not true.....Sadly......I would most definitely say Sensitivity

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Permalink Reply by Kevin on January 4, 2011 at 9:32am

I think Blu would argue that his piece calls out the powerful and wealthy people who start wars for their own gain and what that does to the poor soldiers who are only doing their jobs. This is a view that many former soldiers would agree with.

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Permalink Reply by Melina on January 3, 2011 at 1:25am

One would think that Deitch had a little better handle on his commissions. It was a gigantic piece that clearly took a lot of effort. If he found a problem with the work, why did he wait for it to be finished in the first place? Did he have absolutely no involvement between the time he commissioned Blu and the work being completed?

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Permalink Reply by James Kay on January 3, 2011 at 6:52am

You, Melina, have asked a VERY GOOD question! That's really what this issue is about.

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Permalink Reply by Kevin on January 4, 2011 at 9:31am

My understanding is that he was in Miami at Art Basel and did not see any of it until it was almost done. The question then is why give an artist known for his provocative work carte blanche to create what he wants if your so worried about the subject matter?

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Permalink Reply by Eugene on January 5, 2011 at 2:57am

Downtown LA BLU MOCA Whitewash Protest // 01.03.2011

A short series of interviews with some folks who care at the Downtown LA BLU Moca whitewash protest using laser gaffiti // 01.03.2011

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