In a message dated 01-08-20 16:45:02 EDT, you write:
<< You've raised a very interesting question, here, Michael. I can't accept
the images from Vietnam you mention as art, because I know they are not
harmless, reflective disquisitions on the nature of human suffering, they
are authentic pictures of real people dying. I find that shocking, iconic,
but not in the least artistic. However, if I saw an artist's depiction of
the Buddhist's self-immolation (like seeing a depiction of the crucifixion)
I would feel that much more distanced from it; I would know what it referred
to, and reflect on that, but not feel that sense of sickness in my stomach.
No-one is actually suffering before my eyes. >>
art ought to terrify and shock.
Michael
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