ART: Let's talk about it

It has come to my attention that there has been opposition voiced about a piece of art on display at The Art Spirit Gallery, resulting in a request to have it removed as it offends their religious beliefs.

In offering my support to The Art Spirit Gallery and their right to choose what to display in their gallery, I would like to share some thoughts.

My mother is an artist in the Philadelphia area, and I grew up with the idea from her that art is supposed to elicit a response. I called her and spoke to her about this incident, and here is a quote from her:

“The point of art is to create some sort of dialogue between you and the viewer; provoke conversation, stimulate questions. It is not always comfortable, and sometimes irritating. The viewer interprets what they see, which may or may not be the intention of the artist.” — Mary Kane, Philadelphia artist

We live in a nation whose people believe in freedom of expression without censorship. While I respect the opinions of others, the request to remove the art seems to be a violation of our innate rights as Americans. Art should not be judged based on one person’s standard. I believe this action says more about those who are opposed to the art than the gallery and its choice of art.

“What is freedom of expression? Without the freedom to offend, it ceases to exist.” — Salman Rushdie

ALI SHUTE

Executive Director

Coeur d’Alene Arts and Culture Alliance