Censorship Art Connection

Art censorship can be interpreted so differently among cultures, backgrounds, and environments. In this connection assignment I read two articles describing the censorship of art that in both New York and in Russia. One article, The Art of Controversy, details the events of the “Sensation” art exhibit in New York that received great amounts of  criticism and hate due to its highly controversial content. Pieces such as a 9 pint blood sculpture, a cut open pig, and a abstraction of the Virgin Mary mixed with dung and pornographic images. The reception of these pieces resulted in mass retaliating by christians and parents, claiming these things should not be displayed in a public place or funded by public government money.  This entire document raises all of the questions of how in depth the government can use public discretion, as well as the almost impossible question of what to do with public funding.
    The second article showed a comparison between American and Russia by in depth describing how the Russian government began to heavily censor art that challenges religious ideals of a group.  This includes jailing artists who break laws against religious hate in place since 1996. This provides perspective as to what Americans call censorship. When art exhibits are condemned or threatened to be condemned, artists in Russia can actually be tried against the law and banned from art or imprisoned for their work. 
    This boils down mostly to the American debate of hate and distaste in competition with the first amendment of the Constitution securing freedom of expression.  Many of these questions are a continuous hot topic, as the answers as very muddled and unclear. Whatever the actual answer, artists should have the freedom of expressing the images they feel is under their own freedom.  If that means that there must be more precautions in how art is displayed and who is viewing it, it is worth guaranteeing artists their ability to create what they feel fits their message and content. Art is also one way to push the limits of society, and without this healthy pushing society could come to a cultural still-water.