DISCUSSION
The controversial painting entitled Holy Virgin Mary by Chris Ofili, exhibited at the Brooklyn Museum in 1999, was called blasphemous and caused demonstrations for its removal.
Knowing that Western artists have deliberately sought to shock entrenched, mainstream values, did this work of art succeed in doing so? Why or why not?
What other “shocking” arts are happening in our culture today? Choose from the movies, radio, tv, visual arts, performing arts or literature.
Give a specific example.
Why is this considered shocking? Explain the details.
What is the effect on culture of controversial art?
