Desecrations: Exploring the Dark Side of Art

Desecrations

by Ellen Kottler

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2632 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	98 pages
Paperback	:	24 pages
Item Weight	:	3.04 ounces
Dimensions	:	8.5 x 0.06 x 11 inches

FREE

In her new book, Desecrations, Ellen Kottler delves into the dark and disturbing world of art desecration. Through interviews with artists, curators, and art historians, Kottler explores the motivations behind these acts of vandalism and the impact they have on the art world and society as a whole.

Art desecration is a complex and controversial topic. Some people view it as a form of artistic expression, while others see it as a crime. Kottler does not take a立場 in this debate, but instead presents a balanced and nuanced exploration of the issue.

One of the most fascinating things about Desecrations is Kottler's interviews with artists who have desecrated works of art. These artists come from a variety of backgrounds and have very different reasons for their actions. Some are motivated by political beliefs, while others are simply seeking to create a shock value. Kottler's interviews provide a unique insight into the minds of these artists and help us to understand their motivations.

In addition to interviews with artists, Kottler also includes essays from curators and art historians. These essays provide a broader context for the issue of art desecration and help us to understand the impact that these acts have on the art world and society as a whole.

Desecrations is a must-read for anyone interested in contemporary art, art history, or the intersection of art and crime. Kottler's book is a fascinating and thought-provoking exploration of a dark and disturbing topic.

The Motivations Behind Art Desecration

There are many different reasons why people desecrate works of art. Some of the most common motivations include:

• Political protest: Art desecration can be used as a way to protest against a particular political regime or ideology. For example, in 1972, a group of artists known as the Guerrilla Girls defaced a painting by Ingres at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. The defaced painting depicted women as passive and subservient, and the Guerrilla Girls' action was intended to protest the lack of representation of women in the art world.
• Religious extremism: Art desecration can also be motivated by religious extremism. For example, in 2001, the Taliban destroyed the ancient Buddhas of Bamiyan in Afghanistan. The Taliban believed that the Buddhas were偶像 , and their destruction was intended to purify the country of idolatry.
• Vandalism: Art desecration can also be motivated simply by vandalism. Some people vandalize works of art because they are bored, angry, or destructive. For example, in 1991, a man named Robert Bingham vandalized a painting by Vincent van Gogh at the National Gallery in London. Bingham was later sentenced to six months in prison for his crime.
• Shock value: Some artists desecrate works of art in order to create a shock value. These artists believe that their actions will generate publicity and attention for their work. For example, in 1999, the artist Chris Ofili created a painting called "The Holy Virgin Mary" that featured the use of elephant dung. The painting caused a great deal of controversy and was eventually removed from exhibition.

The Impact of Art Desecration

Art desecration can have a significant impact on the art world and society as a whole. Some of the most common impacts include:

• Damage to the artwork: Art desecration can cause significant damage to the artwork itself. In some cases, the damage can be so severe that the artwork is completely destroyed. For example, in 1981, a man named Mark Rothko slashed a painting by Barnett Newman at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. The painting was so severely damaged that it could not be repaired.
• Loss of cultural heritage: Art desecration can also lead to the loss of cultural heritage. When works of art are destroyed, they are often lost forever. This can be a significant loss for society, as art can provide us with a valuable link to our past.
• Public outrage: Art desecration can also cause public outrage. When people see works of art that they value being damaged or destroyed, they often become angry and upset. This can lead to protests and other forms of public outcry.
• Diminished trust in the art world: Art desecration can also diminish trust in the art world. When people see works of art being damaged or destroyed, they may begin to question the value of art and the role of the art world. This can lead to a decline in public support for the arts.

Desecrations is a fascinating and thought-provoking exploration of a dark and disturbing topic. Kottler's book provides a balanced and nuanced look at the issue of art desecration and helps us to understand the motivations behind these acts and the impact they have on the art world and society as a whole.

Whether you agree or disagree with the actions of those who desecrate works of art, there is no doubt that this is a complex and important issue that deserves our attention. Kottler's book is a valuable contribution to the discussion and will hopefully help us to better understand the dark side of art.

Desecrations

by Ellen Kottler

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2632 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	98 pages
Paperback	:	24 pages
Item Weight	:	3.04 ounces
Dimensions	:	8.5 x 0.06 x 11 inches

FREE