A fresh controversy has popped up on the radar concerning censorship of the arts in Temecula, CA. According to an article in PE.com, this incident occurred last month at the Temecula Public Library when two paintings by artist Lora Sanders were removed from view. Read on, because it gets even better.
One of the paintings depicts two men talking, one of whom is holding a brown bottle. The other features a man leaning up against the barn wall, smoking a cigarette.
Well, there ya go. You just can’t jus’ be havin’ pictures of people drinking beer and smokin’ cancer sticks out where everyone and his brother can see it and become corrupted beyond redemption. I mean, think of the Chillen, for God’s sake!
“Censorship? I feel like I am in the Middle Ages,” Sanders wrote.
Don’t be silly, Sanders. The Middle ages weren’t this bad.
A call to the show’s curator, artist Sissi Hale, revealed that the paintings were removed after a letter writer complained they were inappropriate, Sanders said. She didn’t know who sent the letter, or to whom it was sent.
Ah, another case of a mysterious person in the shadows pulling strings, but otherwise remaining unnamed. Perhaps someone who likes to impose his will on others without suffering the consequences. You know, like Ted Bundy or the Unibomber.
If you’re familiar with my posting on the Temecula exhibit at the Merc curated by Sissi Hale, it is worth noting that:
Hale, who is not a city employee, confirmed Wednesday that Sanders’ paintings were taken down, but said she had nothing to do with their removal.
Regarding the more recent exhibit, Ms Hale said in an email that this was her “first encounter with censorship in my 20+ years as an artist.” Seems it would be more accurate to say this was her second encounter. At least.
http://www.swrnn.com/southwest-riverside/2010-02-23/news/temecula-artists-speak-out-about-city-actions