The CalPoly Dexter Lawn is the location of a controversial art display this morning. Apparently an art student has made a life sized replica of a wedding. Complete with minister, archway, isle, and guest seating this wedding had a few interesting additions. In the front directly under the arch is the minister. A bride and a groom are facing him. Behind them are two grooms. Behind the two grooms are a threesome including one male and two females. And last and most shocking are a groom and a dog. There is a sign hanging from the arch that says, "WHAT IS MARRIAGE ANYWAY..."
The professor in charge of this display is Beth Diamond. The following is a e-mail correspondence from Prof. Diamond.
"A democratic society is one in which we agree to disagree - that it is free and safe to hold different opinions. The purpose of the installation assignment - no matter what the content - is to engage the public in difficult issues, to generate conversation and to reveal different sides that people hold. Although I do not agree with the content of the students' installation, I believe the dialogue it generates is ultimately healthy for society as a whole. There are indeed statements that are hateful written the boards, but there are many more counterstatements promoting support and deeper levels of understanding. You can not dictate tolerance or love... But it can be learned through experience.
Kind regards,
Beth
--
Beth Diamond
Assistant Professor
Department of Landscape Architecture
California Polytechnic State University
San Luis Obispo, CA 93407
bdiamond@calpoly.edu.
Do you agree that this display should be protected because it is art? There is a discussion of the impact of this display today 11/9 at 3:10 pm at Cal Poly Building 52 room 210.
If you would like to see a picture of the display I will be happy to e-mail it to you. Feel free to e-mail me xoxphotogirlxox@aol.com
The professor in charge of this display is Beth Diamond. The following is a e-mail correspondence from Prof. Diamond.
"A democratic society is one in which we agree to disagree - that it is free and safe to hold different opinions. The purpose of the installation assignment - no matter what the content - is to engage the public in difficult issues, to generate conversation and to reveal different sides that people hold. Although I do not agree with the content of the students' installation, I believe the dialogue it generates is ultimately healthy for society as a whole. There are indeed statements that are hateful written the boards, but there are many more counterstatements promoting support and deeper levels of understanding. You can not dictate tolerance or love... But it can be learned through experience.
Kind regards,
Beth
--
Beth Diamond
Assistant Professor
Department of Landscape Architecture
California Polytechnic State University
San Luis Obispo, CA 93407
bdiamond@calpoly.edu.
Do you agree that this display should be protected because it is art? There is a discussion of the impact of this display today 11/9 at 3:10 pm at Cal Poly Building 52 room 210.
If you would like to see a picture of the display I will be happy to e-mail it to you. Feel free to e-mail me xoxphotogirlxox@aol.com