As a part of the Rodin exhibit, The Kiss must be displayed. The theme of the exhibit is "The Hands of Rodin". The Kiss is one of Rodin's most famous pieces, and this exhibit would not be complete without it. Those who oppose its display do so on the grounds that it violates moral codes of BYU as an institution. They would also argue that it is not just the moral code of the University that must be taken into account, but all of Utah County, even areas beyond those borders (Carter, 1997) While that is a very important aspect to consider, I would argue that The Kiss does not violate these codes. It is a very striking work of art, with many artistic techniques to be considered and appreciated. Rodin may or may not have created it erotically, but it is in the eye of the beholder how to interpret it. The statue, in and of itself, does not violate morality. Those who view the piece and choose to think of the sensuality of it are at fault themselves. It is their choice what they think, and they alone are accountable for their thoughts. Pieces such as this are shown in classrooms all over campus, when they are pertinent to the material being learned in class. Since The Kiss is pertinent to "The Hands of Rodin", it is only fair that it be shown as part of the exhibit. It is perfectly appropriate in this particular context and should not even be a point of debate.
Source:
Carter, Edward L. 1997. Deseret News.
If we take into account all the moral codes of Utah county and the ones beyond those borders, that means we should take the strictest one into account. Surely we should not show The Kiss if we took all the codes into account. The statement "The statue, in and of itself, does not violate morality" is only true in the sense that no lifeless object violates morality. "Those who view the piece and choose to think of the sensuality of it are at fault themselves" If I say 'don't think of purple elephants' what do you think of? The statue is called The Kiss and portrays two people kissing. Of course people are going to think of kissing. Good argument overall though.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your argument that it is pertinent to the "Hands of Rodin" theme. Personally, when I read the statement that they did not show some of the pieces because they did not match with the theme of the exhibit, I felt like it was a ridiculous excuse. They should have just said they felt it was inappropriate. Clearly, it matches with the theme of the exhibit since the exhibit is suppose to show the ability and creativity of the sculptor Rodin. These pieces were some of his best work and thus matched the theme.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your statements. We should learn to differentiate between art and inappropriate things. It is an important quality to have in this world full of differences and things we cant always help to have around us.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with your arguments, specially when you say that the interpretation of any piece of art lies in the eyes of the beholder. Also, you made a really good point by stating that The Kiss is one of Rodin's most representative pieces, and that just because of this, The Kiss should have been displayed.
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