***  Haus der Kulturen der Welt: Forum1 Archive  ***
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   [Date]: Thu, 4 Nov 1999 08:44:53 -0600
   [From]: "Chris Drew" <cdrew#@orion.it.luc.edu>
     [To]: "PEACE" <ami_iss@netvision.net.il>
[Subject]: Re: [forum1] Re: discussion about sensation - art & politics

I want to apologize for the zeal with which I attacked you Ami. I am still
getting my e-mail legs and find I over react at time without giving myself
time to consider how my expression really sound. I have heard the cliche
that art and politics do not mix too often and as you see - have some strong
thoughts on that subject.

As someone else pointed out - there is a difference between propaganda and
an individual who, without outside encouragement from an authority, is
inspired to comment on his/her world from their heart. I feel it is the
inspiration the comes from the heart that is a true sharing and likely to be
an expression of strength. Such expression may or may not be great art but
they are likely by their raw sincerity to effect others around them to
action or thought. Art has a role in the present, as well. It is not just
for the collectors who wish to weigh and measure it against history for
investment purposes. Too often we forget about the artist and her/his
reasons for creating and consider only the curator's and investor's
interest. Art is born out of an environment and can affect that environment.

Again, I apologize for not taking the time to understand clearly what your
intentions were and for not asking a clarifying question before leaping to
criticize. Please strike the comparison to the Mayor of New York. BTW, he
has lost in court just the other day. A federal judge ruled he violated the
First Amendment rights of the Museum. We still can have an effect here in
this country. There were some other powerful people involved in this affair
and their strength is represented in this verdict.

I promice to take a little more time before sending out my arrows and to try
to give you more respect in the future.

Chris Drew       <mailto:umcac@art-teez.org>
Uptown Multi-Cultural Art Center
http://www.art-teez.org   We dress Chicago and the
Internet in t-shirt art.  Come get some! 773/561-7676