Lesson Plan: Artistic Expression and Public Opinion
Grades 9-12
What is art? Who gets to decide? Controversial artworks are flashpoints when artistic freedom and religious sensitivities collide. In 1987, Andres Serrano ignited controversy with his photograph depicting a crucifix submerged in the artist’s urine. Some members of Congress, particularly conservative Republicans, expressed outrage that the National Endowment for the Arts had awarded federal prize money to Serrano for the artwork, decrying it as blasphemous. Debate over federal funding for the arts led to efforts to restrict N.E.A. funding and establish standards of decency.
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