Nov 16, 2007 6:31 pm US/Central
Suburban Artist's Painting Sparks Controversy
Depiction Of Child And Spousal Abuse Is Called Pornography By Some
ARLINGTON HEIGHTS (CBS) ―
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The painting "Innocence" by Arlington Heights resident Fred DeAsis is sparking controversy; some say it's pornography, not art.
CBS
There's an old saying that art is in the eye of the beholder. A new painting in Arlington Heights fits that description to a T.
CBS 2's Suzanne Le Mignot reports on a painting that some call thought-provoking art and others call pornography.
Mikey Horndasch, curator of the Arlington Heights Historical Museum said the painting "is supposed to evoke emotion. It is supposed to evoke feeling and this has. I guess it's worked, as far as the definition of art is concerned."
The painting is called "Innocence." The acrylic paint on hardboard work of art was done by Arlington Heights resident Fred DeAsis. The faceless, genderless, clothing-free creation has sparked quite a bit of controversy.
"It's evoked very different emotions. Some are touched by it; some just don't see it," Horndasch said.
Some people have a problem with this artwork, saying it depicts child or spousal abuse, because of the red marks, going down the center of the person's back.
The museum has received heated e-mails. The subject headline on one such e-mail says, "Pornography, no place in our public museum."
DeAsis says a depiction of abuse was his intention, but pornography was not.
"This is actually about child abuse, and spousal abuse, and battered women; and this issue we tend to neglect," DeAsis said.
DeAsis says the painting also shows an abuse victim's journey from darkness to a place of light and hope.
Museum visitor Marlene Winters said, "It's an artist's way to express himself. It's not something I would hang in my house."
Marylou Martin said, "It is thought-provoking. I like it."
DeAsis says as an artist, his responsibility is to bring about an open dialogue in society and "Innocence" is doing just that.
The painting is part of the "Arlington Artists On Display" exhibit, at the Arlington Heights istorical Museum. It runs through Jan. 27, 2008.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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