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Artist alert in the wake of attacks by conservative despots
by quill Tuesday, May 27 2008, 11:34pm
international / mass media / commentary

Conservatives, anal regulators, perverts and politicians fail to realise that Artists are responsible for ALL media output whether it’s fine art, television/film production, journalism, advertising etc etc; an attack on one Australian artist is an attack on ALL Artists! In view of the combined creative power that Artists possess it is a brave or very foolish ‘show pony’ that would offend the Arts and/or Artists.

Perhaps it is time philistines, storm-trooping brutes and regulators learnt the power of Art to make or break anything that exists in a social context -- notwithstanding the current furore that Bill Henson has created!

Regardless of requests, commissions or contracts to portray certain (“revolting”) subjects in a positive manner we should, in a spirit of solidarity, endeavour to utilise our special skills, to subvert any influence these individuals may now exercise in the community. By utilising subliminal means we are easily able to create an abhorrent reaction to any face or subject. I am appealing particularly to image manipulators in advertising and other major media. Programmers should precede or follow distasteful stories with images/stories of those you wish to subvert; it’s all in the ‘wrist action!’

To ensure success graffiti artists should also make representations that are gross or ‘over the top’ in order to distract from the powerful subliminal messages formulated in newsrooms, studios and ad agencies. It should not be forgotten that unless informed of our subtle alterations, managers and other purveyors would be unaware of their existence!

As an example of the power we all wield I would confess my identity if not for the fact it would compromise my day job in one of Australia’s most insecure, security agencies – a perfect environment from which to influence national policy! Yes, indeed, it is and has always been skill that rules not what you think you see! But enough, let’s get to work and teach the philistines and despots a lesson.

We should all be aware (and skilled) in the tricks of the trade; juxtaposition of text/image/subject/objects, colour, form, texture, lighting (and on it goes to infinity) that affect the unconscious mind while presenting an acceptable -- on the face of it -- presentation to the conscious mind.

Postscript:
We note that Malcolm Turnbull -- impatient ‘future PM’ – has today come out in support of Bill Henson and has condemned police storm troopers for stomping on our sensibilities in Art spaces and galleries. We also note how heavily Mr Turnbull’s election posters were airbrushed during the election. Overdone to say the least, Mal – but humorous nevertheless!

It should not be forgotten that like the 'show pony' PM, Malcolm Turnbull is just another political opportunist; he assessed public reaction and weighed the political cost long before making a show of support!

See:
http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2008/05/28/1211654081371.html

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/05/28/2257747.htm