Religion in Media PDF

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Religion in Media...

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J. Mayne Short Answer 8.1: Religion in the Media In this new article, “Friends or Foe? Art’s Long Complicated Relationship with Religion”, provided insight on the religious controversy among a variety of artists. In the article, CNN’s opening statement was “When you enter the world of art, you are, like it or not, entering the realm of religion,” which brings forth the discussion about the religion controversy among some of the world’s greatest art pieces, such as the Last Supper and many more. CNN explains that in recent times, artists are no longer beholden to the religious institutions as form of commission but are exploring the freedom to use various subjects that are drawn from faith or not. This goes to show that even those who are using religion-based subjects in their artwork, they are doing so out of the freedom of choice and represents the cultural dynamic changing from artist being the same “faithful handmaiden” to religion as in previous times. When discussing the religious controversy, each side has to be explained. Looking at some of the artwork that CNN provided like the sculpture, “Zuerst die Füsse” that was created by Martin Kippenberger in 1990, that was a sculpture of a crucified frog caused Pope Benedict XVI to call for the removal of the sculpture from a gallery in Italy. Another example of the opposing side of religion being used in artwork was the increase of Russian artists that have been charged with inciting religious hatred; artist including Avdey Ter-Oganyan and Oleg Mavromatti whom fled the country to escaping going to prison for their artwork. These actions that are being taken by higher power individuals represents the lack of artistic freedom that artist have in certain parts of the world. Two works that have ignited widespread controversy in America over the years: Andres Serrano’s “Piss Christ” (created in 1987) and Chris Ofili’s dung bedecked “The Holy Virgin Mary” (created in 1996). The more that individuals denunciated these pieces of art increased the popularity of the artists that created them and increased the prices of pieces. The artists that created these pieces of art enshrined it as a symbol of artistic freedom- which was opposed by the republican side of the American government. This opened the door for more artist to stand their ground when it comes to artistic freedom. The engagement in religious controversy artwork has benefitted those who are opposed to it by the inflation of the prices of the artwork; however, it seldomly helps individuals to understand the art better. Each side benefits from the controversy the art pieces bring. The opposing side is reaping the benefits of the finical side of things and the ability to directly control where the art pieces can be displayed. The artist is able to go against tradition and the social norms through the use of artistic freedom. Each piece of art that includes religion controversy has different affects on those who are viewing it. Website link: https://www.cnn.com/style/article/religion-art-controversy/index.html...