For those unfamiliar with the below image, this was a work of 'art' done by Andres Serrano in 1987 entitled, "Piss Christ". He urinated in a jar and placed a crucifix inside it — all for the sake of art. The reason I show this image is because of a recent discussion in one of my classes as to the definition of art and whether it should be censored. This type of art is called "Abject Art" and is often used to shock the audience or to express the inexpressible. While I am not a big fan of such art, it does draw some curiosity. I am reluctant to promote censorship within public art, but do feel there are some places where it needs to be contained within a certain area for viewing.

On Serrano's controversial piece, I liked the commentary of Sister Wendy Beckett, a South African-born British art expert, consecrated virgin and contemplative hermit who became an unlikely celebrity during the 1990s. She stated in a television interview with Bill Moyers that she regarded the work as not blasphemous but a statement on "what we have done to Christ" - that is, the way contemporary society has come to regard Christ and the values he represents."

What are your thoughts? I would love to hear from you.




After this lively classroom discussion I then came across the below comic from an unknown source. This appealed to me more than the above. Does this say something about my humour?