Jennie’s Palette

My Sweet Lord,
by Cosimo Cavallaro

The “My Sweet Lord” display was shut down by the hotel that houses the Lab Gallery in midtown Manhattan. Roger Smith Hotel president James Knowles cited the public outcry for his decision.The reaction “is crystal clear and has brought to our attention the unintended reaction of you and other conscientious friends of ours to the exhibition,” Knowles wrote in the two-paragraph cancellation notice.Matt Semler, the gallery’s creative director, resigned in protest.
Sioux City Journal: Do you think a Holy Week art exhibit featuring a nude chocolate Jesus should have been shut down?:

I wish I could say this didn’t surprise me, but I am sorry. giving in seems weak to me, an easy out. we need to have our views challenged and our opinions upset, it’s how we grow, as a culture and as individuals. People are so worried about political correctness that every commercial or public viewed item has to be carefully sterilized and sanitized. this is eroding our curiosities and our urges to create and I personally believe it is taking the edge off our cultures.

Personally I don’t find this piece particularly attractive, but I will defend it’s right to be exhibited, especially at this time. if we backed down from everything at the first sign of an obstacle we would get nothing done. if a work of art, writing, tv show, movie, music etc offends you, you have the freedom to turn your back, to not pay any attention. True freedom of expression requires tolerating things that may offend you or stir your blood or neurons. when we start limiting this basic freedom we all start missing something.

Tags: art news, artist, cavallaro, chocolate, controversy, jesus