From a distance they look like socks hanging on a clothesline. But upon closer inspection it is a piece of art that features 21 ceramic ... umm ... men's appendages, which are displaced on a clothesline in a library. It's entitled "Hung out to dry."
This is no "cock and bull" story. This controversial artwork is on display at a Boulder public library.
"Men find this disturbing, but women find it amusing," said Karen Ripley, the director of cultural programs for the Boulder Public Library.
As someone of the male persuasion I find this artwork demeaning. Can you imagine the outcry from feminists if an artwork entitled "Got Milk?" featuring 21 sets of silicon boobs hanging on a clothesline was on display in a public library?
The artwork is part of an exhibition sponsored by Safehouse, which assists women and children who are victims of domestic violence. The exhibit, "Art Over Domestic Violence," has been on display at the library gallery since October 19.
If an abused woman can only feel empowered by ogling an artwork that features penises hung out to dry, then she needs to visit a psychiatric hospital more than she needs to frequent a library.
She has since relented, but the brouhaha resulted in public scrutiny. Ripley said 52 people called the library Monday over the flag flap, and three of them mentioned the clothesline piece.
Hmm... Let's see if I understand this correctly, Boulder Library officials initially refused to display an American flag at the library's entrance, but had no qualms about displaying ceramic penises hanging from a clothesline? It seems to me that Karen Ripely and Marcelee Gralapp are the biggest dickheads in Boulder.
I am neither a prude nor someone who believes in censorship, but a public library is no place for dangling participles or dangling dicks. That's what they have museums for.
© 2001 Robert Paul Reyes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
E-Mail Mr. Reyes.
