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Humanities LibreTexts

11: Art and Ethics

  • Page ID
    10177
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    Learning Objectives
    • Understand why art and ethics are associated
    • Identify works of art that were censored due to their failure to meet societal ethics
    • Indicate why ethical values change over time by society
    • Articulate why some societal groups may consider some works of art controversial
    • Identify ethical considerations in the artist’s use of others’ art work in their own, the materials used in making art, manipulation of an image to alter its meaning or intent, and the artist’s moral obligations as an observer
    • Identify roles that museums play in the preservation, interpretation, and display of culturally significant objects

    • 11.1: Introduction
      This page explores the complex relationship between art, perception, ethics, and morality, emphasizing how art can both reflect and challenge societal values. It highlights the subjectivity of artistic intent and ethics, illustrated by historical examples like Duchamp's "Fountain" and Ofili's "The Holy Virgin Mary," which sparked controversies on freedom of expression. The chapter underscores art's role in provoking thought and discussion, affirming its cultural significance.
    • 11.2: Ethical Considerat ions in Making and Using Art
      This page examines appropriation in art, differentiating it from inspiration by highlighting artists like Sherrie Levine who re-contextualize existing works. It addresses the significance of materials, illustrated by Damien Hirst's use of butterflies to challenge societal values. Ethical controversies are explored, particularly concerning animal use in art and digital manipulation in photojournalism.
    • 11.3: Censorship
      This page discusses the evolving nature of censorship, particularly in relation to offensive content. It highlights Michelangelo's artistic contributions to the Sistine Chapel, including the Genesis ceiling and The Last Judgment, the latter reflecting the impacts of the Protestant Reformation.
    • 11.4: Ethical Considerations in the Collecting and Display of Art
      This page highlights the cultural significance of art, focusing on its preservation and looting during the Nazi regime in WWII. It examines how Hitler's regime aimed to destroy avant-garde art while attempting to create a grand museum collection that never came to fruition. The role of museums in promoting understanding through exhibitions, like Fred Wilson's, is discussed.
    • 11.5: Before You Move On
      This page explores the intricate connection between art and ethics, focusing on the history and current implications of censorship. It highlights how artists confront societal morals through provocative works and the ethical considerations surrounding appropriation and materials. The role of museums in preserving and interpreting art is discussed, with key concepts including censorship, appropriation, and ethical values.


    This page titled 11: Art and Ethics is shared under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Pamela Sachant, Peggy Blood, Jeffery LeMieux, & Rita Tekippe (GALILEO Open Learning Materials) via source content that was edited to the style and standards of the LibreTexts platform.