by Grunk » 24 Aug 2011, 13:49
You are correct,
Sarah should definitely be commended for trying this out, and I hope she doesn't feel disheartened at the response to the subject matter (not the subject). I am hopeful that she will continue trying new things to enhance Portobello for everyone.
With regards to the pieces in question, I'm sure local artists would welcome a chance to have their work on display, but perhaps the amount of effort in coordinating this would be too great without understanding whether or not such an endeavour would even be noticed, at least we have an answer to that.
And art is freedom of expression and speech, it shows the artist's outlook and often is created to provoke an emotional response. Pieces are subjective, and whether you like or loathe a particular piece you shouldn't deny its right to exist or its right to be displayed/enjoyed/detested. In the same way that peoples' opinions on the art in question should be respected. There are plenty of pieces or art/architecture/people that offend my sensibilities, but they are what they are, it only encourages me to a) avoid them and b) spend time seeking out those things that I enjoy.
Also, I'd like to point out that I remember a number of school trips to art galleries where the men and women on display were wearing far less, and drinking far more.
Edit: if they are coming down I'd be happy to take ownership of one or two of them?