babble » blogs » Strollerderby
Strollerderby
Violence As Art: Glee Star Heather Morris in Controversial New Photos
This isn’t the first time we’ve been shocked by photographs claiming ‘art’ but depicting something controversial. But, at what point do we say images of violence and domestic abuse are off limits?
The latest controversy is over new pictures of Glee Star Heather Morris – in a series photographer Tyler Shields references on his website, by saying, “Even Barbie bruises…..Some magic, irons, and bruises later it was complete.” He is actually selling ‘limited edition’ prints of these photographs. Many of the comments on his post are indicative of people who do truly consider Shield’s work extraordinary.
Why are bruises like these considered ‘art’?
I am all for art sparking conversation and debate…. but somehow, the violence aspect throws me.
Go Back To Strollerderby
5 Comments
Peter P commented on Sep 06 11 at 4:33 pmDepicting violence in art is OK by me if you’re making a statement such as war photo’s or paintings but depicting violence for the sake of ‘beauty’, which is what this photo series seems to be, is just sick.
In my opinion.
Art speaks. Sometimes it speaks of beauty, sometimes of conflict, sometimes of love, sometimes of depression, sometimes of overflowing emotion, sometimes… well, sometimes I have no idea what the artist was thinking…
But to bring violence, whether again man, woman or child, into a posed, ‘happy’ setting is pointless and base. The black eye served no purpose that I can fathom. It doesn’t stylize or glamorize the violence, it just… is.
Glenn commented on Sep 06 11 at 6:51 pmHa, well I wrote a few sentences and then read Peter’s comment. Basically he says exactly what I would say. To that I will add that I don’t like Tyler’s art much. I don’t see that it makes much of a statement about anything. And, since I think it won’t last very long, I’m not too worried about the influence it will have.
daniellesmith commented on Sep 06 11 at 9:02 pm@Peter – thank you for sharing your thoughts so eloquently. I couldn’t agree with you more – I know that ‘art’, by its very nature is intended to inspire thought and feeling, but don’t feel there is a place for violence of any kind in this space.
@Glenn – thank you as well…. I will be curious to see if your predictions about Shield’s longevity come true….
Gregory Ng commented on Sep 07 11 at 10:59 pmI was appalled by these images when I first saw them. Then I clicked through to the store and read “All 3 editions to be auctioned starting at $100,000 each with all proceeds going to Glamour Magazine’s “Tell Someone” campaign.” Not sure if that makes it better but it does shed light on his acknowledgment of the nature of these images. Again, not an endorsement but an interesting aspect of it.
daniellesmith commented on Sep 07 11 at 11:36 pm@Greg – you are right – that is an interesting aspect….. a few of them have 30% going to “tell Someone” too….. Not sure if this is a new development or not as he hadn’t made any mention of it in earlier interviews….
Add your take:
Note: Babble is a supportive, diverse community. We encourage a range of opinions,
but any unduly hostile comments will be removed.
Comments are delayed up to 15 minutes
Lori Garcia 
Joslyn Gray 
Amber Doty 
Julianna Miner 
Monica Bielanko 
Sierra Black 
Meredith Carroll 
Carolyn Castiglia 
Sunny Chanel 
Madeline Holler 
Rebecca Odes 
Danielle Smith 
Danielle Sullivan 
Katherine Stone 
The Walt Disney Company supports Babble as a platform dedicated to honest, engaged, informed, intelligent and open conversation about parenting. However, the opinions expressed on this site are those of individual parents/writers and do not reflect the views of Disney. In addition, content provided on this site is for entertainment or informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or safety advice.
5