Censorship Surrounding September 11th

The September 11th attack on America has revolutionized the world’s understanding of visual culture.

Society has been trying to label art forever. Censorship of art is a conflict that affects everyone, whether it be the artist themselves, the viewers, or nonviewers. Drawing the line between what is and isn’t considered art is a difficult task. The continual debate over modern art is a futile task because the definition of art is so individual. I believe as long as the art has some semblance of meaning, intention, idea or thought behind it, it merits it as being labeled as art. There are many people wrongly labeled as artists who create purely for financial gain or stature. This is detrimental to the integrity of other artists who serve their purpose in the art world purely because of the passion for their work.

The censorship of art surrounding the attack on America September 11th disturbs me. The media’s cap on releasing any images surrounding the event especially images of the World Trade Center whether in advertising, movies or any element of visual culture is a limit on potential and creativity.

These ideas of labeling and censorship in dealing with the September 11th attacks tie into my own work. At a recent show I had in a friend’s home, a friend of my aunt’s asked me what an appropriate offer for a particular piece would be because she had an interest in purchasing it. I asked her first why she wanted to buy it instead of another next to it that was less traditionally beautiful, she replied, “It’s pretty.” That was the end of that purchase because she had only chosen the piece on the left because it was more aesthetically pleasing to her, not because of the idea of it. My work is for primarily my satisfaction, and secondly the satisfaction of other viewers. I’d rather wait for a sale to someone who will enjoy the work for what it is rather than someone who wants something to put in their living room so others can remark how pretty and nice it is. I hate that word; it has absolutely no meaning or connotation. It has become such a euphemism for real words. I have tried to communicate my thoughts and ideas about September 11th, but somehow I can never articulate exactly what I am feeling either through my photos, mixed media pieces, or even writing. I still don’t know how to deal with this situation of being at war, trying to trust a government I disagree with to make the right decisions. My work has reflected these recent frustrations.

I find myself watching less and less television partially because of the terrible advertising that goes on, but also because of the decreasing quality of programming. The only things I watch now are the news, a few select shows, and movies. Wi

Some topics in this essay:
Trade Center, Club- September, America September, , september 11th, visual culture, President Kennedy, understanding visual culture, understanding visual, censorship art, deal situation, attack america,