Spring Break
USG debates controversial art in Babbidge
Katherine Smith
Issue date: 4/16/09 Section: News
After a heated debate last night, the Undergraduate Student Government passed a position of statement regarding an art display in the Homer Babbidge Library some felt was controversial.
The statement called for an art showcase by Randall Nelson to be moved to a more non-public area. Nelson's art in question includes a caged brown bird hung from a noose with the phrase "some bird get what they deserve" etched in glass over the caged bird. The other piece is an obelisk soldier's monument with various homophobic slurs of graffiti across it.
The display was scheduled to be taken down at the end of the semester anyway.
Many senators were quick to agree with the resolution, claiming the pieces to be obscene and offensive.
"This isn't just offensive…if you walk through the library and you're gay and you see the word fag you're thinking that's an attack on my character," said Multicultural and Diversity Senator Mary Lorenz. "These aren't offensive…they're attacks."
According to the statement of position, USG senators felt the art was homophobic and racist.
"How would you like to be remembered as the school with the birds hanging from nooses?" said Mansfield Apartments Senator Donald Richard.
Richard brought up the fact that thousand of students walk by this controversial showcase while touring UConn and deciding whether or not to enroll.
"We're trying to promote a diverse campus, this is not how it's done," Richard said.
While all agreed the art to be offensive, many senators argued that the art shouldn't be taken down completely, but rather moved to a less public place, such as the Benton.
"Sometimes artists cross the line but Babbidge isn't the Met or the MoMA [Museum of Modern Art]," said Commuter Senator Jason Abbott. "There are better places [for Nelson's art], it doesn't need to be in such a public place."
"This is the most controversial issue we've ever had to deal with," said College of Agricultural and Natural Resources Senator John Hogan.
Also brought forth to USG members was another Statement of Position written by Commuter Senator Meghan Perrone regarding the initiative on increasing Pell Grants.
With a deep recession looming, the senate voted to support an increase of the amount of money allocated to Pell Grants.
The statement called for an art showcase by Randall Nelson to be moved to a more non-public area. Nelson's art in question includes a caged brown bird hung from a noose with the phrase "some bird get what they deserve" etched in glass over the caged bird. The other piece is an obelisk soldier's monument with various homophobic slurs of graffiti across it.
The display was scheduled to be taken down at the end of the semester anyway.
Many senators were quick to agree with the resolution, claiming the pieces to be obscene and offensive.
"This isn't just offensive…if you walk through the library and you're gay and you see the word fag you're thinking that's an attack on my character," said Multicultural and Diversity Senator Mary Lorenz. "These aren't offensive…they're attacks."
According to the statement of position, USG senators felt the art was homophobic and racist.
"How would you like to be remembered as the school with the birds hanging from nooses?" said Mansfield Apartments Senator Donald Richard.
Richard brought up the fact that thousand of students walk by this controversial showcase while touring UConn and deciding whether or not to enroll.
"We're trying to promote a diverse campus, this is not how it's done," Richard said.
While all agreed the art to be offensive, many senators argued that the art shouldn't be taken down completely, but rather moved to a less public place, such as the Benton.
"Sometimes artists cross the line but Babbidge isn't the Met or the MoMA [Museum of Modern Art]," said Commuter Senator Jason Abbott. "There are better places [for Nelson's art], it doesn't need to be in such a public place."
"This is the most controversial issue we've ever had to deal with," said College of Agricultural and Natural Resources Senator John Hogan.
Also brought forth to USG members was another Statement of Position written by Commuter Senator Meghan Perrone regarding the initiative on increasing Pell Grants.
With a deep recession looming, the senate voted to support an increase of the amount of money allocated to Pell Grants.
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 3
Benny
posted 4/16/09 @ 10:12 AM EST
Art, especially art like this, is meant to point out the hypocrisies of our culture. It uses offensive language, but it is not offensive. Shame on you USG. (Continued…)
Luke
posted 4/16/09 @ 11:52 AM EST
in other news...USG is also seeking to write a statement condemning the cooks at South dining hall who are continuously happy and laughing while grilling beef patties. (Continued…)
Ignoramus
posted 4/16/09 @ 2:10 PM EST
Now, now, I think you've get it all wrong. There's nothing of value to discuss here. We here at SOAP (Students for Objective Art in Public) want to wash all of that controversy away. (Continued…)
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