Letters

Artwork has more than shock value

Thank you for a generally wonderful article on the F.O.B.
MultiArt Show. However, as curator of the exhibition, I need
to clarify a few things in your article regarding the following
paragraph:

“…the artists often use shock value to prove a point.
For instance, the exhibit will feature an installation of a man
hanging by his genitalia, which happens to be a miniature head, as
well as the painting of “˜Bolsa Girls’ a portrait of an
Orange County Gang-related female.”

First of all, simplifying provocative art for its “shock
value” degrades the artwork and invalidates its message. That
term tells the reader the piece is done only to get the
audience’s attention. But UuDam’s description of his
artwork (taped to his sculpture), says “A man got hung by his
penis. I often use the penis as a symbol of power or ego or a
tool that can give pleasure or impose punishment.”

Secondly, to say that Taylur Thu-Hien Nguyen’s portrait of
a “Bolsa Girl” is a “portrait of an Orange County
Gang-related female” is clearly an imposition of Dang’s
own preconception of what a gangster is or is not. Throughout
Nguyen’s description of her artwork (placed beneath the
portrait), there is never a reference to anything
gang-related. Rather, Nguyen writes that, “”¦her
makeup is an aggressive display of ethnicity and an act against
assimilation.”

The F.O.B. MultiArt Show is not about breaking down barriers
between cultures (Vietnamese and non-Vietnamese) as opposed to
reinforcing certain myths and half-truths. To help overcome
this wall, the artists and I have taken great pains to write
“inspiration statements” for each piece exhibited
(placed around the artwork) in order to share their own thoughts on
the artwork with the audience in hope that their works will not be
reduced to some convenient or stereotypical label.

Sadly, all this effort is for nothing if thousands of people
read Dang’s article in the Daily Bruin without seeing the
exhibit for themselves.

Tram Le Curator, F.O.B.: A MultiArt Show

Witch article highlights diversity

Thursday’s article, “Witches in Westwood,”
made me proud to be a Bruin. I am so happy to attend a school where
religious tolerance is not just preached, but practiced as well. I
really appreciated this insight into Wicca and Paganism, and want
to learn more about these ancient and intriguing religions. Please
continue printing articles that highlight the beautiful diversity
of our campus community.

Christina Johnson Third-year, law