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 controversial art is not a topic exclusive to the 20th and 21st centuries, the distribution of information regarding controversial art has increased with the proliferation of media. Choose an example of a controversial 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 controversial 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.
- 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.
ANSWER
James Cain published The Postman Always Rings Twice in 1934 when he was at the age of 42 years. The novel tells the story of Frank, described as being a drifter. One day, Frank walks into a roadside diner and gets a job offer from Nick. The latter is a jovial, naïve, and wealthy Greek (Cain, 2010). At first, Frank declines the offer seeing that it is only descent compared to other propositions he has. He soon changes his mind when he lays his eyes on Nick’s wife. As Cain describes the encounter, Frank could not help but desire her and her lips. His desire for her drives him to accept the offer (Cain, 2010). Later, he and Cora, Nick’s wide, begin to develop a bond. It soon becomes clear to them that…. To access full answer, click on the purchase button below.