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Thoughts on art and nudity
As of this morning, the case against acclaimed artistic photographer Bill Henson appears to have collapsed completely. A few days ago, the censored versions of the most controversial images, as published by news outlets, were given a G rating. The uncensored version of the most controversial image has now been rated a lowly PG. Australia’s censorship authority, the Classification Board, has stated that the “image of breast nudity … creates a viewing impact that is mild and justified by context … and is not sexualised to any degree”.
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COMMENTS
Posted by Gregory Carlin on 06/09 at 04:17 PM
Bill Henson's photos have been classified as child pornography in the UK, the latest promotion in Australia would seem to be trading on Henson's standing with the pro-pedophile movement.
'Bill Henson eat your heart out! The girls in Bob Mercer's pictures are certainly under age. And they are sexy. But who is responsible for this sexiness? Why haven't the police arrested them? For a limited time you can see Bill Henson's Untitled (Image 18) from his 1985-86 series alongside Bob's Un-Real photographs at George Petelin Gallery and judge for yourself.
Un-Real,
New Photography by Robert Mercer'
What's that about? If Bill had any sense he'd have asked galleries not to work that type of presentation.
Gregory Carlin
Irish Anti-Trafficking Coalition
Posted by Dr. Paul Rapoport on 06/09 at 05:36 PM
Dr. Blackford, you have made a fine case. I have followed the débâcle Henson from North America, where it has been reported on very little. I've written too much about its principles, or lack of principles, to add much to your consideration here --- except to note naturist philosophy as it evolved from Germany over the last hundred years.
Henson's photos are not naturist, and naturist photos are not usually art. But I'd like to see what Hetty Johnston would do confronted with the naturist magazine I edit, or the two that have been published in Australia. They'd defeat her sanctimonious self-righteousness immediately.
That anyone could take seriously her unbuttressed ignorance or clueless and careless slander is a calamity in itself. Where I live, Bill henson and the Oxleys could sue her for a lot of damages.
Posted by Jennie Rosenbaum on 06/09 at 10:17 PM
Thankyou for a very thought provoking look at this recent debacle. I have been covering the story the past two weeks on my blog and still find it astounding that people could view these works and instantly think they are sexualized. I despair at the society that automatically equates nudity with sex. This is one of the best articles I have read on the subject, and not just because I happen to agree.
Posted by Malcolm Boura on 06/10 at 03:33 PM
Dr. Blandford has written one of the best articles that I have read on this topic. Rational and logical when so many people are trying to capitalise on emotive paranoia.
From the examples that I have seen Mr Hensons's photographs are not illegal in the UK. Moreover a similar post by Mr Carlin in another forum was quite simply wrong. Not only was it wrong but it was also counter to the explicit views and wishes of the major child protection organisations in the UK. I suggest that readers look at the web site of the Irish Anti-Trafficking Coalition and make their own minds up about the legitimacy of the organisation. For completeness sake I will point out the British Naturism were also respondents to the consultation they mention. There is nothing special about that.
Posted by mcmc on 01/12 at 06:13 AM
It seems that Mr Blackford is loath to consider the reality of the conditions of the making of these photographs. The child and her family were groomed for several years before Henson made his final move on her. (Manipulated) Parental consent doesn't get a guernsey under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
I refer you to an old article on 'the art life' for another perspective:
http://artlife.blogspot.com/2008/10/salon-des-refuses-bill-henson.html
Sadly, Henson has abidingly perverse, insidious form.
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