Insensitive Public “Art”
July 16th, 2005 by JJ
If you are easily offended by September 11th related art, you may want to skip this entry. If you know someone who died in that horrible attack, or if you witnessed the aftermath, or if you simply have a conscience… you may want to skip this entry.
Last night at Bob and Barbara’s bar in Philly, I noticed a piece of art taped to the wall. It was a photocopy posted there with clear tape. The subject: the World Trade Center towers burning, with people jumping to their deaths. I hated it. I’ll list the reasons below.
This bar has dozens of retro advertisements and Pabst paraphernalia on display, and all of the pieces are framed. So this haphazard method of display led me to think someone (probably the artist) posted it without permission from the bar - though, I may be wrong.
To the artist - here’s why I think your “art” sucks:
- It’s lazy. You want to make a statement? Do something a little more impressive than posting a photocopy of your childish drawing in a dive bar. Grow some balls, you coward.
- You stomped on my buzz. I already downed two “specials” (a shot of Jim Beam and a can of PBR) when I noticed your weak attempt at art. I was having fun, then suddenly I was thinking about how much of a spineless idiot you must be.
- This is Philly. We’re a short drive from Manhattan. In theory, it’s possible that a friend or family member of one of the thousands of victims might walk through the door and see that shit. Don’t dredge up memories of the worst day of their life for your own satisfaction. You want to be an artist? Get that shit in a gallery show with an appropriate title so people who don’t want to see it can easily avoid it.
- You’re horrible at marketing, and you’re a pussy. You didn’t include your name, a web address, the name of a gallery - nothing. So what do gain from this? The satisfaction of knowing you’re hurting people’s feelings?
- You’re going to say you’ve accomplished your goal. “Ha ha, I got a reaction out of JJ and he posted it on the internet. People are talking about me and my art. I’m awesome.” No you’re not. You’re weak and you have nothing constructive to say.
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So, did you rip the “art work” off the wall? I would of…and then burned it in an ashtray…took a large piece of the burnt black paper and taped it back up on the wall in its’ place. How’s that for a statement?
I wish I knew how/where this “artist” was. Army level 3 combatives all over his/her ass. Instant arm and leg removal. Followed by laughter and a healthy piss on the face.
and by “how” I meant “who.”
You’re right JJ.
It’s sickening and just sad. I agree with Kat. You should have ripped it off the wall.
Disgraceful.
And Bob and Barbara should not get a pass.
That’s the same reaction I have when people whine “we must never forget 9/11″. Well, no shit dumbass; & did ya reeeeally think we would let alone could?!?!
This guy sucks a fuck.
I can’t stand goddamned artfags like him.
No, Kat. I wimped out. Maybe next time I’m there, I’ll tape a little sign to the “art” that says “This artist is a cock.”
Wow, Kev. So angry… I like it!
Yeah, LC. The guy(or girl)’s an idiot.
Are you voting for a boycott, Jackie? You know I love a good boycott.
No joke, Sar. People harp on that shit like everyone else is so heartless. Of course we can’t forget!
Ev: Best movie quote ever.
Did you ever see Natalie Dee’s Valentine’s series. One was “I Fall For You” with a similar drawing as this one. I really like her stuff, but that one was a little too tasteless for me. Check her website for other drawings. Make Me Laugh Evan would probably enjoy her work:
http://www.nataliedee.com
Uhhh.. yeah. Ev hates Natalie Dee. I’ll let him explain.
All for a boycott, JJ. That’s some reprehensible and repulsive sh!t. Should not be tolerated.
i see what the artist was going for, but they neglected the key element… that pain can be best represented in the form in which it is felt.. either the physical or the spiritual… in this case, the i believe the abstract would prevail… everyone saw the images… everyone lived the images… and i am confident that future generations who did not see the horror unfolding before their eyes as we did will silently understand through the reverence and sorrow we express when telling of where we were that day… who we knew… and why despite our wounds we are strong… that is how we must capture this untamed spirit let loose that day… the true pain… the true sorrow lies not with the dead… but with us… therefore to just capture this lifeless moment in this form boosts fun of our lose… and thereby is likened more to the amusing stick figure death theatre and less to solemnity that is (hopefully) intended or due.
besides that… WWJAS? (what would joan altabe say?)
Someone hates Natalie Dee? Oh how can that be?
Personally, I think Natalie Dee is not funny. Also, she’s kinda shitty to people who write her.
Also? What gives her the right to tell people what to do?
Plus, she thinks she’s awesome and therefore sucks.
Yes, I’m an asshole.
Ev: Huh. I can see that. However, by that logic, I suck too and that makes me sad.
I didn’t mean to derail JJ’s comments about the insensitive public art display. It kind of reminds me of how pissed off I got last summer when the anti-abortion trucks were cruising around Columbus. I don’t care how you feel about abortion, if you saw those things, you’d be Offended.
I see where you’re coming from Trav. Actually I expected at least one person to defend this 9/11 art from the freedom of speech standpoint. My argument would be - there’s a time and place for insensitive and potentially hurtful art. And I would fully expect the artist to take credit for their work and brace for a backlash.
J.Mo, Ev, CRo:
Ev knows I’m a part-time Natalie Dee fan. Not enough to check her site daily, but I do take a look every once in a while.
As for the abortion protesters… I feel the same about that shit as I do about the 9/11 art. Don’t accost me with photos of dead babies. If those people can show that shit in public, then what’s the hangup about nudity in the US?
Pictures of dead babies = Totally acceptable?
Drawings of Sept 11th deaths = No problem?
Tits in public = Illegal?
Pictures of dead babies = Totally acceptable?
Drawings of Sept 11th deaths = No problem?
Tits in public = Illegal?
All arguments to prove there is no God.
people should be allowed to say what they want, just as long as i am allowed to complain about it…