-By Warner Todd Huston
What would you say about photos of naked children — most of them girls as young as 13 — holding each other or by themselves in pensive poses? Would you imagine it to be thoughtful art or would your first thought be that it seemed like uncomfortable porn? Would you think it just a beautiful expression of humanity, or would you get a vague feeling that someone is getting his jollies from these pictures and it might be the so-called artist. And would it seem like a celebration or exploitation of children?
This is the argument currently going on in Australia over an art gallery showing of the work of photographer Bill Henson. Henson’s latest photo series shows several naked girls and boys, some prepubescent, in what some may consider alluring poses (though others might consider them merely thoughtful). The authorities were not amused by the exploitative photos and had them removed from the gallery. Even Australia’s new Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, has had his say about this incident describing the photos as “revolting.” He later added that he will not apologize for his comments.
Naturally, several in Australia’s arts community raced to Henson’s defense saying that it is an outrage to have had the gallery showing boxed by authorities. Even actress Cate Blanchett — herself a mother of three — has voiced support of the photographer.
The letter of support scolds all those who are offended by the photos.
Continue reading “Sexualizing Little Girls is Art?”