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Art breaking barriers

Written by T.J. Tranchell -Argonaut

Friday, 10 November 2006

Artists can create controversy. They can intentionally set out to shock people and instigate revolutions. Some artists, like feminist photographer Yara Ferreira Clüver, do not seek to be controversial. Instead, controversy is thrust upon them. Clüver spoke Monday night about her work and the censoring of her art. A sampling of her photography titled “Beyond the Barrier of Skin” was also displayed in the Reflections Gallery. “These photographs reflect the female experience, and I would like to see these types of images become more common,” Clüver said. “I like the idea of them hanging in a gallery called Reflections in a building called the Commons.” Bringing Clüver to the University of Idaho was a joint effort between the Women’s Center, the College of Art and Architecture, the Reflections Gallery and the Office of the Provost. Clüver’s presentation, called “Feminist Art and Censorship,” attracted a diverse crowd of men and women to the Whitewater Room. She spoke of her background and the controversy caused by her piece titled “Built to Suck.” Born in Brazil, Clüver studied at the Cooper Union School of Art in New York City, originally intending to focus on silk screening. Through interdisciplinary work, she discovered photography. She later earned her M.F.A. in photography from Indiana University, where she now teaches. She also studied with renowned feminist artist Judy Chicago. It was during the 13-week course with Chicago that Clüver found the courage to tackle subjects she previously only hinted at. “Judy Chicago pushes you to be direct, honest and open about context,” Clüver said. “My work became more dramatic in its imagery thanks to her.” It is the lack of perspective and context that caused Clüver to become embroiled in controversy. Clüver’s piece “Built to Suck,” which she calls “an homage to woman’s ability to give birth,” contains images of lactating breasts and the face of her own infant daughter. She was fascinated with the similarity of the “U” shape of breasts and the face of her child. What was meant to be an emotional work about her and her daughter, who was unable to breastfeed, became much more. “Built to Suck” appeared on a pamphlet advertising a faculty show at DePauw (Indiana) University, where Clüver taught before returning to Indiana University. “I saw that and I thought, ‘Oh my God, what have I done? I’ve been a bad girl.’” She wasn’t the only one. All the pamphlets disappeared and the vice president of the university issued a statement saying that all publications must be approved by his office before being distributed. All this happened before the show even opened. “It eventually became about faculty governance and went well beyond just me,” Clüver said. “As it pertains to the art, it was taken out of context by the censoring body before they even saw the show.” Also included in the current exhibit are photographs of her husband and daughter, both of whom spent time in the hospital. “At first I was documenting the situations and surroundings,” Clüver said. “Later I began interpreting them.” The images are very graphic, portraying nudes of Clüver’s own body as well as those of her husband and child. It is important to Clüver that such images are in the open. “Nudity isn’t the problem,” she said. “It is the point of view in viewing the female nude that is the problem. The ability to embrace a broader range of art helps us embrace diversity.” Add as favorites (27) | Views: 748 Be first to comment this article Write Comment Please keep the topic of messages relevant to the subject of the article. Personal verbal attacks will be deleted. Please don't use comments to plug your web site. Such material will be removed. Just ensure to *Refresh* your browser for a new security code to be displayed prior to clicking on the 'Send' button. Keep in mind that the above process only applies if you simply entered the wrong security code. Name: Title: Comment: