'Splatter' Sparks Controversy in London
Pearl — October 3, 2008 — Art & Design
References: theaquariumonline & telegraph
British artist James Cauty is about to open his new exhibition “Splatter.” It is the first time the London’s Aquarium Gallery will have to put up a parental advisory warning sign. This is because the pictures he shows are the actual blood and gore consequences of what really happens to Looney Tunes characters.
One piece shows Bugs Bunny firing a gun at Daffy Duck and blowing off his head. In another, Tom chops up Jerry into small bits. A third painting shows Sylvester the cat with a bloody mouth, presumably from eating Tweety Pie.
The idea for this controversial exhibition came from the artist’s 15-year-old son who suggested that his father show in his artwork what the cartoons fail to portray. Cauty added, “People have been saying since the ‘60s that cartoons should show the consequences of violence, or kids will get the wrong idea.”
The gallery expects the show to be a success. Gallery owner Steve Lowe said, “It’s amazing work, and from the reactions we’ve had to it so far, children have loved it. I’m not sure if their parents have been too happy about their children loving it, but kids were very excited by it all, which is interesting because art is never normally aimed at children.”
At the very least, the exhibition will encourage more dialogue about violence in the media.
One piece shows Bugs Bunny firing a gun at Daffy Duck and blowing off his head. In another, Tom chops up Jerry into small bits. A third painting shows Sylvester the cat with a bloody mouth, presumably from eating Tweety Pie.
The idea for this controversial exhibition came from the artist’s 15-year-old son who suggested that his father show in his artwork what the cartoons fail to portray. Cauty added, “People have been saying since the ‘60s that cartoons should show the consequences of violence, or kids will get the wrong idea.”
The gallery expects the show to be a success. Gallery owner Steve Lowe said, “It’s amazing work, and from the reactions we’ve had to it so far, children have loved it. I’m not sure if their parents have been too happy about their children loving it, but kids were very excited by it all, which is interesting because art is never normally aimed at children.”
At the very least, the exhibition will encourage more dialogue about violence in the media.
Trend Themes
1. Real-life Cartoon Violence - Exploring the graphic consequences of violence in cartoons can spark discussions on the influence of media on society.
2. Parental Advisory Warning - The need for parental advisory warnings on controversial art exhibitions can lead to a reevaluation of censorship standards in the art world.
3. Art Targeted at Children - Creating art that caters to children's interests can open up new possibilities for engaging young audiences in the art world.
Industry Implications
1. Art Galleries - Art galleries can seize the opportunity to showcase controversial exhibitions that provoke thought and generate dialogue.
2. Media and Entertainment - The media and entertainment industry can reevaluate their content standards to address the potential impact of violence in cartoons on audiences.
3. Children's Products and Services - Creating art and media content specifically tailored for children offers disruptive innovation opportunities in the children's products and services industry.
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