Art Exhibit Controversy in Alingsås, Sweden

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In summary: Not really, the Christian Democrats is a mainstrem party that belongs to the same "family" as e.g. CDU in Germany (Angela Merkels party). They do not really have many "extreme" views, except for on issues like the proposed law on gender neutral marriage, they are the only ones opposing it of allt the parties in the swedish parliament.
  • #1
Moridin
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http://www.thelocal.se/9824/20080130/ [Broken]

An exhibition of graphic sex photos have caused a political row in a Swedish town. Christian Democrats in Alingsås want to close down the History of Sex exhibition at the town's municipal art gallery. The Liberal Party, usually allied with the Christian Democrats, says art should not be censored.

The photos, by American photographer Andres Serrano, depict scenes including a man performing [graphic] himself and a woman clutching a horse's [graphic].

The controversy over the exhibition has been taken to a new level by the involvement of the neo-Nazi Nationalsocialistisk Front (NSF), which has been distributing fliers protesting against the exhibition.

I'm always so surprised how far from the political climate Sweden is from the United States. Besides the neo-Nazis, the only party opposing it was the far-right Christian Democrats (6.6% in latest elections). Most others where thrilled.

Do you think such an exhibition would fly in, say, the United States? :biggrin:
 
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In a private gallery, there would be no problem. But if public money is given to controversial artists and exhibits, yes, you can bet there would be a problem with some people.

Just curious - do the neo-Nazis and Christian Democrats there agree on many issues?
 
  • #3
Moridin said:
Do you think such an exhibition would fly in, say, the United States? :biggrin:

Like, right next door to the Creationism Museum?
 
  • #4
lisab said:
Just curious - do the neo-Nazis and Christian Democrats there agree on many issues?

I believe one of the things about the Neo-Nazis is that they want to abolish any semblance of Christianity and go back to their "true" roots.

Then again, I am learning all of this from learning about Black Metal, so I might be completely off hahaha.
 
  • #5
I would go to the exhibition. I would also certainly need to cross a picket line of protesters to do it.
 
  • #6
lisab said:
Just curious - do the neo-Nazis and Christian Democrats there agree on many issues?

Not really, the Christian Democrats is a mainstrem party that belongs to the same "family" as e.g. CDU in Germany (Angela Merkels party). They do not really have many "extreme" views, except for on issues like the proposed law on gender neutral marriage, they are the only ones opposing it of allt the parties in the swedish parliament.
However, since it is the only party with a "religious identity" in Sweden it also attracts people on the christian right wing (which is a very small minority in Sweden), and sometimes these end up representing the party at the local level. However, if these representatives do something that is really embarrasing to the party at a national level they get expelled pretty quickly.

I suspect they find it quite embarrasing that they happen to be on the same side as the neo-nazis in this case.
 

1. What is the controversy surrounding the art exhibit in Alingsås, Sweden?

The controversy surrounding the art exhibit in Alingsås, Sweden revolves around a painting displayed at the exhibit that many people find offensive and inappropriate. The painting depicts a nude woman with a caption that translates to "I am not a woman, I am a man." This has sparked a debate about the portrayal of gender and the boundaries of artistic expression.

2. Who organized the art exhibit in Alingsås, Sweden?

The art exhibit in Alingsås, Sweden was organized by the local government and the Alingsås Art Society. The exhibit features works from various artists and is meant to showcase and promote the local art scene.

3. What is the response from the artist behind the controversial painting?

The artist behind the controversial painting, Elisabeth Ohlson Wallin, has stated that her intention with the painting was to challenge societal norms and stereotypes surrounding gender. She believes that art should provoke discussion and that censorship goes against the purpose of art.

4. How has the community reacted to the art exhibit controversy?

The community in Alingsås has had mixed reactions to the art exhibit controversy. Some people have expressed support for the artist's freedom of expression, while others have called for the painting to be removed from the exhibit. There have also been debates and discussions about the role of art in society and the boundaries of artistic expression.

5. Has there been any action taken by the local government in response to the controversy?

As of now, the local government has not taken any action in response to the controversy. They have stated that they support the freedom of expression and believe that art should be allowed to challenge societal norms and spark discussion. However, they have also acknowledged the concerns of those who find the painting offensive and have encouraged respectful dialogue about the issue.

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