On March 15th guest blogger Susan Wittrup touched on the issue of art, its non-permanence and how we should be less worried about longevity and concentrate more on enjoying art now.
Yesterday’s inbox contained a brief email with a BBC world news link from Susan that connects to the topic she introduced to us. I feel it warrants further circulation. Click on the bold heading below and see what is happening in Italy.
** Museum burns art in cuts protest **
A museum in Italy has started burning its artworks in protest at budget cuts which it says have left cultural institutions out of pocket.
Personally I am still reeling about the form this protest has taken. While I try to understand the actions and that the artist consented I can’t help but be reminded of book burning events making a resurgence in various countries and specific eras…
What are your thoughts? Please take a minute to share your insights and weigh in on the discussion.
Anna Hergert, Art & Design 
What a shock this was to me ! As to the fellow who said the making of the art and the meeting people etc was the most important part, I am certainly glad Van Gogh, Klimt, Group of Seven and on and on , did not have this attitude . I do agree that the making of the art is important , but think of the wonderful pieces we have seen over the years .Art needs a history not a burning . I find this action shameful ! There just had to be another way .
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We can hope that a better solution can be found…
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Arlene and Karen, I posted the link to generate discussion – you have both voiced your opinions, thank you for this.
I personally feel that the protest is a way to raise awareness – as visitors to galleries and museums we seldom consider the work and money it takes to preserve art, be it modern or ancient. Fundraising is not as black and white as we assume it may be. I sure this rotest was not staged in a hurry and took a lot of deliberation. Who knows, it may have been encouraged by the artists themselves. As with anything – there are many factors to consider.
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I certainly agree with Arlee . These imbeciles need to be more inventive about fund raising.What a shame that these pieces of art are lost forever!
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As an artist this bothers me greatly. While several artists supported this, and allowed their own to be burnt (and isn’t that great PR, she says sarcastically), what about the artists who are no longer with us, whose art can’t be “replaced”? As for the comments on the site, i resent being told that it doesn’t matter because “art is for the rich”.
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