Digital BW, The Print

I guess it's time for me to step in and upset everyone (more than they already are), from the perspective of a
jaded New Yorker. ;-)

I have to disagree about what is 'right' or 'wrong' with that sort of exhibit.  Not that I think I,
personally, would ever go see it (I had trouble getting through that museum in Mexico with all the naturally
mummified bodies on display.)  It's just that I don't find anything wrong with it.  The exhibit is not that
different from the famous DaVinci drawings in his sketch books.  He broke into morgues and made detailed
drawings of essentially filleted people parts and how the human body was put together.  I suspect that if he
had the technology back then, he might have done the same as that German exhibit.

When they showed his sketch books several years ago, and specifically including, some of *those* drawings,
they were praised for their beauty.  So...that brings us to the question of why is it ok to have made drawings
of such things and not to exhibit the reality in plasticized bodies?

It is about learning.  It's not like these bodies are being exploited without permission...so what's wrong
with it?  I think we get too squeamish about our mortal (human) remains...And are too dislocated from the
'naturalness' of death.  And let's not even get into the hypocrisy of eating meat and not wanting to know
where that cello packed chicken really comes from (for the record, I am not a vegetarian, and yes, I have
raised and slaughtered my own animal food).

This issue also reminds me of how people negatively react to people whose sexual practices do not fit within
the normal middle-class parameters.  Is it for me?..No.  Is it ok?  Yes.

Again...Is it art...I don't know.  Is it proper...In my opinion, yes.  Who are they hurting?

Harvey Ferdschneider
partner, SKID Photography, NYC



> I've not visited the links, I saw it on TV and had to turn it off. I'm
> sorry, but I really believe this man has crossed a line somewhere.
>
> I know all the arguments and I've enjoyed reading this lists thoughts and
> respect you all for your wisdom and educated differences, but this
> disrespect for human kind is just ... well, I don't know what it is.
>
> Carolyn
>
> >
> > --- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@y..., "Steadman Uhlich"
> > <steadmanuhlich@k...> wrote:
> > snip...
> >> I watch my blinking cursor on this screen and I don't know what else to
> >> say...I am DISGUSTED!.
> >>
> >> Steadman
> >
> > I understand your reaction completely, I just don't want to look at it long
> > enough or read about it enough to spend the rest
> > of the evening feeling the same way you do now.
> > Know what I mean?
> > Tyler


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