ART essay
Jichenyan 
Artpaperdraftoutlined.docxArt 315: Issues in Contemporary Art Spring 2021
PAPER 1: Considering Philip Guston
3-5pages, double-spaced, 12pt
Do you have an immediate, visceral response to this painting? Scared Stiff (1970) by Philip Guston
Given the volatility of today's social climate, particularly regarding race, how might this painting/image contribute (or detract) from current discourse?
Read the following articles and follow the subsequent prompts:
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/unraveling-controversy-over-postponed-art-exhibition-featuring-kkk-imagery-180975931/
https://www.nga.gov/press/exh/5235.html
https://www.theartnewspaper.com/analysis/guston-analysis
Read and consider the above two articles and address the following questions:
1. Should the museums have postponed the exhibition, why or why not? 2. Does Guston have any authority, as an artist or otherwise, to address race in the US? 3. Do artists have the right to work with any subject matter they want? Why or why not? 4. Do you see an active role for art in society? If so, what is it and why this role(s)? 5. If not, why not? How do you see art function on a social level? 6. Is art inherently political? Why or why not? 7. Assuming art reflects society, can art also change it? Why or why not?
Please note: A paper that does not support its assertions with citations or other evidence is a RANT, not an essay. Please don't rant. Present your thoughts in an organized manner that shows they are well considered and thoroughly supported.
I also don't mind if you use many, many sources beyond readings from class, but you must cite them! (You should cite readings from class as well.)
