Context of Practice - Lecture: Censorship

Ansel Adams, Aspens - manipulates photos in a dark room to change your perseption in them.

Stalin with and without Trotsky. He didnt suit his political purpose so was removed from the photographs.

9.11 adverts done in an ironic anti capitalist way. Making light of the situation.

Kate Winslet in cover of GQ Magazine with legs elongated in photoshop. They forgot to enhance the mirrored image of her so it was obvious.

Newspaper combining war images to create a new image which suits their story better.

Robert Capa, Death of a Loyalist Soldier (1936) a persona invented.


Simulacrum is a representation or imitation of a person or thing.

Ken Jarecke, Iraqi Soldier, 1991 - It was seen as far too graphic for a morning newspaper. But then it was argued what is the news for if its not to show the truth.


Censor -
 1. A person authorised to examine films, letters or publications in order to ban or cut anything considered obscene or objectionable.

2. To ban or cut portions of (a film, letter or publication)

Oliviero Toscani, United Colors of Benetton.

Balthus, The Golden Years , 1945
Therese Dreaming, 1938
Does it have less reality and truth to it because it is a painting.

Edouard Manet (1832 -1883) Dejeuner sur l'Herbe 1863 recreated by Andy Earl, Bow Wow Wow record cover 1980.

Amy Adler - The Folly of Defining 'Serious' Art
- 'an irreconcilable conflict between legal rules and artistic practice'

The Miller Test, 1973
Asks 3 questions to determine what should be labelled as obscene.

Obscenity Law
'To Protect art whilst prohibiting trash'

Sally Mann, Immediate Family 1984 - 1992

Tierney Gearon, Untitled 2001

'A revolting exhibition of perversion under the guise of art' - News of the World