KSU reinstalls Ruth Stanford's censored artwork
"Despite my best efforts I feel that KSU largely continues to control the conversation," Stanford says
- JOEFF DAVIS
- Ruth Stanford
Kennesaw State University has announced that they will reinstall Ruth Stanford's "A Walk in the Valley." KSU administration censored the artwork from the Bernard A. Zuckerman Museum of Art days before the opening of the museum because, according to a state from the university, "did not align with the celebratory atmosphere of the Museum's opening." Stanford wrote about the experience and complicated decision to negotiate with the KSU administration for CL last week.
In a statement to CL about today's announcement, Stanford said, "I am happy that my work is going back in the show so that viewers can see it and form their own opinions. However, despite my best efforts I feel that KSU largely continues to control the conversation. The conversation should be about censorship, and KSU does not want to talk about that."
Read the full statement from KSU after the jump.
? ? ?
Kennesaw State University officials are announcing the reinstallation in the Bernard A. Zuckerman Museum of Art of "A Walk in the Valley," the commissioned work by Ruth Stanford, associate professor of sculpture at Georgia State University.
The museum staff has begun working with the artist and anticipates the piece will be on public view no later than March 25, and will run through April 26.
Campus officials also will provide explanatory materials and host public programs that address the complexity and controversial nature of the subject matter: Georgia writer Corra Harris - whose former homestead was gifted to the University in 2008 - and a letter she wrote in 1899 on the topic of lynching.
The University's administration deeply appreciates Ruth Stanford's thoughtful consideration and deliberation in this matter and her willingness to remain engaged in dialogue with University officials.
Kennesaw State University officials also reaffirm the administration's full support for academic freedom and the free exchange of ideas. Our intention is to use this entire experience as a learning and engagement opportunity for all of our stakeholders.
Details regarding the related programming will be publically announced as soon as plans are finalized.
- # #
Ruth Stanford has issued a response to Kennesaw State University's announcement, which she has shared with University officials. It is as follows:
"While Kennesaw State's administration and I continue to disagree on certain issues related to the removal of my work, "A Walk in the Valley," from the Zuckerman Museum of Art, we have come to agree that the work should be restored to its place in the exhibition.
"This has been a difficult experience, but I hope that the conversations it has generated about art, place, history, academic freedom, and free speech have been, and will continue to be, productive.
"I am proud to be included in the See Through Walls exhibition alongside a number of amazing artists, and I look forward to supporting the work of the ZMA moving forward."