Art Censorship In China

Art Censorship
Art is a part of everyone’s life, whether they acknowledge it or not that’s different. Without the work of artists and their creative capabilities, life would be extremely difficult and depressing. Artists have always despised censorship and control by the government. In the digital age they come under more scrutiny as power hungry politicians and conservative community members try to find offense in every bit of art. Currently in China the government blocks movies that they do not want the public. Many theatrical plays are fought against by conservative groups and their constituents right here in the United States. People are afraid that art might offend children and particular groups depicted in the art. High school students
The Sistine Chapel, a 15th century built residence of the Pope, is the home to some of the greatest and most famous paintings ever painted. No single painting has taken as much criticism and censorship as the Last Judgement has. “Pope Paul IV contemplated destruction of the Michelangelo masterpieces because of their nudity, but was dissuaded, having the figures draped instead.”(Cameron 1) A true painting to symbolize the triumphs of a religion through wars, tyrannical regimes and dozens of popes. It is hard to believe that nudity causes such a ruckus in the world. It is as if people are surprised to see other nude people. Nudity in religion is extremely common considering the timing of most religious events took place at the age of using curtains as clothing. Hard to believe that artists were hired to cover up the Last Judgement, as it is one of the most recognized paintings in the world. Yet the religious leaders entrusted to protect the mass of work of art thought of destroying
They should be censored as they offend particular communities. Obviously, since the times of Shakespeare and Michelangelo, times have changed. People are not as racist or sexist. Therefore, it is certain that the works of art from that period can contain insensitive material. Knowing that these works are racist and insensitive gives no right to people today to censor these works and condemn them. “No one expects a genuine theatrical, literary, poetic or artistic experience to be simply pleasurable, and the audience isn’t assumed to be incompetent or ignorant.”(Kennicott 3) No artist wishes to hurt any viewer with his or her art, artists merely try to show the world a view that is original and only belongs to them and with this view they hope to inspire and change opinions. Addressing controversial themes like: homosexuality, police -violence, war, and drug abuse, artists have been able to show progressive views and inspired regular people to take action and use the art as a symbol. No one has a problem with Picasso’s “Dove of Peace”, but his “Ladies of Avignon” painting has prompted many critics to use censorship on an abstract and harmless painting. Art is a form of expression and no type of censorship has ever proven to be successful and never