York University Philip Guston Satirical KKK Paintings Questions

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Main discussion post questions

Discussion questions for “Philip Guston’s satirical KKK paintings are a hard sell for museums in the age of social media”

1. Does Philip Guston’s artwork ‘capture the ubiquity of racism in American society [without letting] the painter or the viewer of the hook?’ or is it distasteful and racist?
2. In your opinion, does his artwork challenge audiences and provide opportunities for people to engage in difficult conversations about racism?
3. Kate Taylor, the author of the article, states “Guston’s images are not a celebration of the Klan, and museums should be able to show those paintings with enough context to make that clear.” What are your thoughts about this? Do you agree or disagree with Taylor? Why? Do you feel that Guston’s artwork should be banned from museums such as The National Gallery of Art in Washington, or the Tate Modern in London? If so, why? If not, why not?
4. In your opinion, does it make a difference that Guston’s paintings ‘were born of his lifelong awareness of prejudice, including the anti-Semitism both he and his parents had experienced?’ In other words, should Guston’s identity markers (in terms of religion and race) shape our understandings of whether his artwork is acceptable or thought- provoking?
5. How might satire be a useful tool or strategy in the artworld when it comes to highlighting social issues?

 

Class mates discussion post, respond to their points stating wheter you agre/disagree and why

 

1.I think that Philip Guston’s artwork does capture the racism of American Society. I would not say it is distasteful or racist but rather important and eye opening. The American Society still struggles with racism and this was very clear in the past year of 2020. Guston’s artwork should be published as the events he painted the mid 20^th Century are still just as present now and no better. Racism is scary for many to openly talk about which is why many think it is uncomfortable or distasteful. However, it is a real and horrible reality that is still faced in current day society. Guston’s work is not distasteful and racist but true and real.

 

2.I do think Guston’s work challenges audiences and provides opportunities for people to engage in difficult conversations about racism. When such topics are presented especially on a big art canvas it may make people uncomfortable but, I think that is when it is best time to start the conversation on why it makes everyone uncomfortable? How can this be changed going forward? Why do we all feel that this is inappropriate when in reality these are real issues that happen on the daily? Guston’s work is what provides the need to start having these important conversations and not shy away from them.

 

3.I agree with Kate Taylor’s statement. Guston’s message was to spread awareness of the horrors of racism that travel around the world.  Museums should be able to showcase his work but with enough context for everyone to understand that this is not about promoting racism but promoting the conversations about racism. I think the fact that there is such a debate between showing and not showing Guston’s work proves that his paintings have done what he intended. That being, making the uncomfortable conversations happen and creating a world where no one shy’s away from the true realities of racism.

 

4.Personally, I do not think Guston’s past experiences with racism make any difference to the message he has conveyed through his paintings. Did it give him a much more realistic view of the world to paint? Yes, it did. It is because he witnessed the racism and prejudices firsthand that he is able to convey the horrors and injustices in society into artwork which creates real conversations about what is wrong with the world and how to move forward.

 

5.  Satire can be used to make these subjects less intense. If the intensity is lessened people may be more inclined to have these important conversations and actually go into the conversation with an open mind rather than a clouded view from the intensity of the topic. If the atmosphere around the painting becomes more open and freer it will allow for everyone who views Guston’s paintings to be more open minded and open to the fact that his paintings are true and are not inappropriate but rather stimulate the conversation for change.