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Controversial Art and Censorship

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University

Course

Professor

Due: Date
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Controversial Art and Censorship

The distribution of information regarding controversial art with gender, race, sexual, and/or

environmental themes has increased with the proliferation of media. One example of a social

justice work of art from the 20th or 21st centuries is the painting "Guernica" by Pablo Picasso,

completed in 1937 in response to the bombing of the Spanish town of Guernica during the

Spanish Civil War (Jacobus and Martin, 2021, p. 448).

The work of art has a significant social contribution as it represents the atrocities of war and calls

for peace. According to critic Michael Glover, "The painting stands as a great cry against the

barbarity of war and the willful destruction of civilian lives" (Glover, 2017).

In terms of aesthetic value, "Guernica" is a masterful work of art that reflects the human

condition and the horrors of war. The distorted figures, broken shapes, and sharp lines convey

the terror and chaos of the bombing and the suffering of the innocent civilians. The work relates

to my life as a reminder of the consequences of war and the importance of peace.

"Guernica" has been subject to censorship, as the painting was banned by the Franco regime in

Spain for many years due to its anti-war message. However, censorship is not justified, as it

limits the freedom of expression and prevents the public from engaging with important social

and political issues.

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The public reaction to "Guernica" was mixed, with some praising it for its powerful message and

others criticizing it for its abstract style. Nevertheless, the work effectively portrays its message,

as it has become an icon of anti-war activism and a symbol of the horrors of war.

"Guernica" is a work of art that represents the highest artistic achievement and should be

considered art. As Jacobus and Martin note, "art is not only a matter of personal taste, but it is

also a social and cultural phenomenon that reflects and shapes the values and beliefs of a

community" (Jacobus and Martin, 2021, p. 13).

In conclusion, "Guernica" is a masterpiece of social justice art that has had a significant impact

on the world. The painting's anti-war message and masterful execution make it a valuable work

of art that should be celebrated and preserved for future generations.

References:

Glover, M. (2017). The story behind Picasso's Guernica. Retrieved from

https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20170420-the-story-behind-picassos-guernica

Jacobus, L. A., & Martin, F. D. (2021). The humanities through the arts (10th ed.). McGraw Hill.
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References

Brown, A. H., & Green, T. D. (2020). The essentials of instructional design: Connecting

fundamental principles with process and practice (4th ed.). Routledge.