So remember the art review/interview that Patricia conducted with the curators of,
So remember the art review/interview that Patricia conducted with the curators of, Hide/Seek Desire in American Portraiture, at the National Portrait Gallery in D.C.? Well just like clockwork, the GOP is calling for a congressional investigation into one of the video works by the late New York artist David Wojnarowicz, in which ants crawl over a little crucifix, as well as condemning the entire show for its blatant homo-eroticism.
Since many members of the GOP confuse their asses for hats, I guess they never bothered to read the museum literature which states that the shows’ premise was an investigation of same-sex themes and portrayals “from the Gilded Age through the end of the twentieth century.” That’s beside the point, because what the real message is the Republicans are back! And you HOMOS better watch out!
Rep. Jack Kingston from Georgia is incensed by representations of an AIDS victim’s ashes, male nudity, and Ellen grabbing her Boobs! Boobs! Homosexuality! Male Nudity! An outraged Eric Cantor proclaimed the show was “an obvious attempt to offend Christians during the Christmas season.”
Who cares this shows been in the works since 2007, there should be NO gayness and Christianity! Michelangelo, you hear that! Stop gaying it up at the Vatican!
Remember this painting of “Adam and Steve”, one of the many vignettes decorating the Sistine Chapel ceiling. What? That’s God, not Steve you say?! Oh well, considering the recent scholarship that Michelangelo was inspired by “Roman bath houses” in his portrayal of the “Last Judgment” on the back wall of the Chapel, not a wonder I got confused.
“Holy Crap, its a raid!” photo. Liberty Baths, San Fransisco circa 1978 (or 1540)
According to art historian, Elena Lazzarini, “The figures descending to hell and ascending to heaven are inspired by the virile, muscular manual workers and porters Michelangelo would have seen during his visits to the baths, which are well documented.”
…Um, Uncle Leo, why is Mary sitting on St. Anne’s lap?
What is this 1980? Remember Ronald Reagen came into office and tried to abolish the National Endowment for the Arts? Anyone remember 1980, it was the year John Lennon was shot. Anyone see that doc on PBS, which paints a whole new picture of John’s relationship to Yoko. It was a totally inspired and loving relationship! I chalk up all the Yoko Ono bashing over the years to racism! Yes, call it “Yellow Fear” fear of little Asian people who talk back. Americans were insensed that they lost an unpopular war to little yellow people.
… I digress.
You wanna know why American corporate greed is ruining our economy but more importantly our collective consciousness? Because Americans lack an understanding and appreciation of the arts — and the conservative politicians want to destroy arts in this country all together. The arts instill humanitarian values. The arts cultivate our spirit, it inspires our curiosity, and soothes our imagination. The arts nourish the soul for Piss Christ’s sakes!
Remember the “Piss Christ” — the 1989 watershed moment between Art and the U.S. Government?
The work is a photograph of a little crucifix submerged in the artist, Andrea Serrano’s, pee. The work won an award sponsored by the NEA. This was the beginning of the end for the Governments support of the arts. In 1990 in a case involving a group of performance artists known as the NEA Four; Karen Finley, Tim Miller, John Fleck, and Holly Hughes — NEA, under pressure from Conservative members of Congress, stopped funding individual artists.
So now the conserva-douches want to cut funding to museums… What’s the good news you ask?
Here’s the good news, the human spirit is indomitable — you can’t keep a good artist down. And many of these important creators are still alive, well, and prolifically working.
The great Holly Hughes is in fact in New York this week, to perform her latest work appropriately titled, “Let Them Eat Cake,” a collaboration with Moe Angelos (of Five Lesbian Brothers fame) and Chicago-based director Megan Carney.
So while these asshats in congress pick their noses and wipe on our cultural institutions, insulting our sense of aesthetic purpose — you dear reader can exercise your God given right to cleanse your soul. Enjoy the arts, go see one of the great legends, queer artist Holly Hughes.
