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“Civilization is the process in which one gradually increases the number of people included in the term ‘we’ or ‘us’ and at the same time decreases those labeled ‘you’ or ‘them’ until that category has no one left in it.”
- Howard WintersThese portraits are of BYU students who identify themselves as homosexual and a person that supports them. This support person could be a family member, friend or may also identify themselves as homosexual and both people may provide support to each other. I have not included labels with these portraits as I feel that labels only create separation and division and further ungrounded stereotypes. We never know who may identify themselves as homosexual and I felt that not labeling these images would force us as a society to question what it is to be homosexual.
This project for me became a journey of truth and enlightenment. I see a bit of myself in each of these portraits. When looking at these images one may see their friends, their family, or a classmates I admire the individuals who were brave enough to become the faces of this project – Thank you for your time and honesty.
Mahatma Gandhi once said, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” This is an amazing philosophy that suggests that change starts within each of us. It is my hope that this body of work will be a vehicle for tolerance, support, love and change.
49 comments:
Oh how I hate BYU. Bastards.
Mormonistic policies are against personal enrichment and enlightenment. Ironic, considering the very word "Mormon" means "more good".
That sucks that they took it down. I really hate BYU. Glad I'm leaving it. They keep claiming to give acceptance as long as no sin is committed, but then they won't even let something like this that preaches acceptance be presented. Ugh.
for what it's worth I hope for those who saw it that were open to the message will be touched and "those" who were "offended" will someday wake up and see the world differently...
I'm truly sorry, I loved the idea when you told me about it... it was so simple and so deep...
What a tragedy.
That's ridiculous. There is so much wrong with that. I'm so sorry.
I understand that BYU is a private school, but what was done seems so unfair... I would do something about it.
Where is the Christ - like love in these actions?
What?! I haven't even had a chance to see it yet. I don't see why they would do that (especially without your knowledge).
So sad to see this response. I think it is an opportunity for some good old-fashioned political action against such a decision, and to think that it was done without consulting the artist is so cowardly as to be nothing short of reprehensible.
I think you should continue the "project" by incorporating the response of the school into your work. good grief.
This is a horrible thing to learn about! Your portfolio was nothing but tasteful, and it probably was helping some people who really needed the support. How many gay people are out there in the church, living celibate, temple-worthy lives, who struggle with their sexual orientation? The fact that they would censor this display shows that they don't care one bit about those poor people. This makes me so sad!
I am very saddened. It doesn't surprise me, though.
Did your professor know of the subject matter of your project and given "approval"? If it was mounted for a time, does that not mean that it was approved by someone before it got to the attention of the higher ups?
What are the ramifications of this? Do you fail the course? What are you going to do from here?
Terrible.
What a wonderful project though, and I'm sorry I've missed your blog posts on it up till now. You have my admiration.
I am so disgusted. I'm so sorry Michael. I was just looking at your project on Thursday night and was happy that no one had defamed it any further than it had been. I've talked a lot with my roommate (who's with you in the art program) along with other friends in the art program about the intolerance. This just enrages me beyond comprehension. I can almost understand them wanting to get rid of me, but this project is essentially harmless. This is the sad state of our BYU existence.
Those pictures are incredible. It is interesting how much emotion can be caught in just one shot. I also loved that quote. I wish I could have seen the exhibit while it was still up.
I was so excited when I saw your project, but even more upset when I heard that it was taken down! I honestly couldn't believe they would remove a piece of art that only promotes tolerance and love. Hopefully, this tragedy can be used to create a more open dialogue with the admisnistration about the reality of homosexuality at BYU and need for more acceptance. We still have such a long way to go.
I don't swear. I'm a very soft-spoken person in general, and I'm rarely critical of others.
But I've got some choice words swirling around in my head right now.
I'm so sorry that this happened. Your photos are amazing, and the project is inspirational.
Maybe we will disappear...if they bury their heads in the sand
Unfortunately, I can't say I'm surprised they would take this action; but, to take your exhibit down without even talking to you - that you found out from a friend who happened to go to the exhibit - that is reprehensible! Cowardly!
If I were a BYU alumni, I would feel ashamed.
Sorry they chose to take it down. It was a great idea. I appreciate what you were trying to say.
My sister starts BYU Idaho this spring.
I feel like throwing up.
One thing my mom always taught me is that ART is okay. She carefully explained that in art, literature, and photography, sometimes delicate issues were handled, and sometimes handled harshly, or graphically in a way that's shocking, but it's important to read it and understand it.
Obviously I was blessed with a wonderful mother, who'd probably agree this was reprehensible action to take regarding your beautiful show.
I am bummed. I was planning on seeing it tomorrow. I had wanted to see it on Friday, but I had a screening that I couldn't miss. It looks like I won't get the chance now. Looks like I'll be writing the DU again...
What Abelard said. I am ashamed. I am literally nauseous. It's stories like this that have made me more and more reluctant ever to admit that I ever went to school at that place, and have prodded me to strongly encourage family members to consider other schools.
David Farrell nailed it: "The danger of censorship in cultural media increases in proportion to the degree to which one approaches the winning of a mass audience." I am now paranoid enough to wonder whether your exhibit was taken down, Michael, precisely because somebody somewhere with influence didn't want anyone adopting the "apostate" tolerance you espouse. I hope I'm wrong but I've had enough dealings with that school to doubt it.
I'm sad that I didn't get to see my picture up there! I was out of town and planning on seeing it this week. Oh well, such is life sometimes.
I'm so sick of BYU's desperate attempt to portray a Molly-Mormon appearance.
They censored/censured the Daily Unifarce a number of times because they'd published things that were "controversial" *gasp*.
I'm sorry you fell under the axe of leadership-gone-wrong.
Michael...I'm so sorry that all of your work was so despicably unappreciated by the administration at BYU. I hope that this intolerable action can be addressed to bring about some much needed change at that university. All I can say is good luck buddy and don't let this get you down. It's a reflection on them and not on you.
As outrageous as it is that BYU censored your work, I believe it may end up garnering your project the greater attention it deserves. Very thought provoking, well-executed work.
Wow... what bullshit.
I really hope you will try to take your exhibit to some non-BYU venues, it looks really compelling and there must be tons of gallery owners who would love to show your work.
It's a great message.
BYU aside, this work is brilliant. You draw your viewer in and leave little wiggle room once you have their attention. Very "weighty". Your work is much larger than the University.
This is unbelievable. Many of the most influential and well-respected artists of the past two centuries were controversial in their day. How would humanity make any progress if no one was willing to challenge convention?
I'll be interested to see how BYU rationalizes their decision, and how they deal with the press this is generating.
Sorry to hear your project got pulled. I am continually amazed at how afraid people of faith, whether christian, muslim, scientologist, are to be questioned about their beliefs. It is these overtly hateful actions from all religions that have led to my atheism.
Your project sure was a unique idea and your photos are beautiful. I can't believe BYU actually censored your art, that's completely ridiculous. I hope that you are able to exhibit your artwork somewhere else so people can enjoy each photograph and really contemplate the message you're trying to convey.
It is deeply regrettable that BYU administration engaged in this censorship...but I have to wonder: What did you *think* was going to happen? This is, after all, BYU. What made you believe administration would tolerate a free exploration of ideas? That's the part I just can't understand -- why do seemingly intelligent people *choose* to attend a university that seeks at every turn to prevent them from genuine learning?
I agree that it was an egregious example of hypocrisy for administrators to censor your artwork, but here's the part that continues to befuddle me: What did you *think* was going to happen? This is, after all, BYU. What made you think that administrators would allow free thinking? And why, please explain why, seemingly intelligent and thoughtful individuals *choose* to attend such a university? Why not leave BYU to those for whom "straight-and-narrow" and "narrow-mindedness" are synonyms? Why do we give them the satisfaction of self-righteous censorship? Would we not be better served by simply ignoring them?
Hey, I've been reading about your art project on the internet, and I find it really inspiring. I went to CalArts in California, and there it would be unthinkable for an exhibit like this to be censored, I can tell you that students and faculty would be outraged by such a decision, just like I'm outraged about this happening to your work.
But I want to say that it's so brave and important that you decided to put this piece up at BYU. It sounds like it's an audience who could really benefit from the discussion and the thought provoking effects of your work. The fact that it has been taken down sounds like a validation of its purpose. Someone saw your pieces and thought that they might do what you intended. It might make people question whether they're right in judging people they don't know, or drawing lines between people, or choosing who to treat unequally.
I pray that you keep your voice and don't let them silence you. Whatever happens, you should be proud. With nothing but some beautiful portraits, you've inspired questions, you've inspired hope, and clearly there's someone (someone with the power to censor you) in whom you've inspired fear. That's amazing.
Enjoyed reading this. Glad I got to see it! But I thought you should be encouraged by the rare opportunity you have today to be so damn powerful... not many people can influence people in such a way that you did. You obviously made them THINK. And that is truly powerful. So congrats man... really good job!
Dave Valk
hey for us non byu folk that don't know whats going on down there can somebody keep us updated, like if it somehow gets into the paper that this happened... or in an editorial... also if there is somewhere we can write to express our disapproval... anyway I liked
what jerums89 said...
"I really hope you will try to take your exhibit to some non-BYU venues, it looks really compelling and there must be tons of gallery owners who would love to show your work."
I second that and tell us if you do, when and where and I'll be there
Wow...I'm sorry, I actually thought it was a really cool project. I think that people oppose all topics relating to homosexuality because they don't understand it and don't realize all those who it affects. BYU is so homophobic I am not surprised. Thank you for trying though.
Michael,
This made it into a diary at pamshouseblend.com, an LGBT political news blog. Thank you for using your creative spark in alliance with us in such a beautiful, thought-provoking piece. I appreciate your support.
To see that BYU censors an art piece that depicts neither violence nor pornography, but rejoices in every human being as a child of God makes me so sad. I'm not at all surprised, unfortunately. Mormon history is a history of "othering," of exclusion, of supremacy and hate. I left the lds church years ago over doctrinal issues, realized a few years later that I'm gay, and am so glad I never went to BYU. I can't imagine what gay mormons' lives are like there. I just want to reach out and hug every one of them and say, "You don't have to do this. You don't have to live like this."
Heaven forbid that someone attending an art show at a university might be exposed to a little bit of real life. I can see them now, fingers in ears, eyes closed, "Nyah, nyah, I can't see you, I can't hear you, so you don't exist."
Or, perhaps they were hoping to protect the safety of the students in the photos - after all, if it became public knowledge that they were gay/supportive of gays, what are the chances that some homophobic student/faculty/staff person might harass them? Any Wilkinson-era spies looking for jobs these days?
Amanda -
If you're going to BYU, you should know better. LDS religion views homosexuality as a damning sin, a lifestyle that if followed, will keep that person from blessings in this life and the opportunity to live with God in the next life. Trying to promote homosexuality to BYU is like trying to deny the holocaust in front of Jews, that Mohammad was a drunk in front of Muslims, or that child abuse isn't that bad in front of the YWCA. Disagree if you like, but BYU isn't really a receptive audience for a pro-homosexual art piece...
This might be a great piece for a city art fair, but a poor choice for an art display at a church that's currently under a great deal of fire for its work to support Proposition 8 in California.
Craig
You have made it to the No.1 spot on Reddit, which is one hell of an achievement Michael, and richly deserved.
Having once visited BYU, I can quite imagine the stir that this caused among the moral police at the university. The last thing they want on this issue is 'acceptance' or tolerance. However, BYU have failed in their duty to support the artistic and academic independence of their students. But then, any kind of cover up of this kind of project was never going to rest on sound moral ground.
I wish you every luck in the future Michael. This clearly will be a defining issue for you that will echo throughout your life...and when you feel that it's just impossible, just remember that it's those that swim against the tide that create the momentum that eventually turns the tide. Love and peace.
Mark
The story of your work, beautifully done, is reaching the wider audience you deserve, it's spreading across the internet like wildfire.
Fresh from the financial fiasco of Prop 8, to follow up with censorship and the squelching of your free speech, shows what a tin ear the Church has.
Your work will be invited to be shown around the country, I'll bet--and you need to let us know where the venues will be and when.
This is what great art does: it changes lives.
I am sorry that you have to experience the hate and bigotry but, in a sense, nothing could have validated your work more than censorship.
I hope that someone else will display your work. I take courage because of people like you.
I'm amazed as much as your exhibit got up as it did.
I'm from Utah County but did not attend BYU...or it would have been pulling nails to get me to attend BYU. I took my first semesters at UV-Ca-Ca (So you can age me) and moved onto SUU. My husband worked at the printing press that distributed the BYU student paper and the huge bru-ha-ha those term we were both in Orem was the length of shorts vs the height of a walking vent in the back of women's skirts and why one was an honor code violation and the other was A-OK. It was just...stupid.
It's not an entirely bad progression from skirt splits to putting up photos of BYU homosexuals even in a limited way. Still, being censored without your input or consideration stinks. You did nothing wrong. Compassion is not wrong.
Will you be putting up the exhibit elsewhere? I'd like to see it. I'm back to happy valley often.
I very much liked your concept. It would fly here (where I teach) and probably generate some great discussion. Censorship does not educate. If BYU had an issue with your concept it would have made more sense to frame a discussion around the exhibit but... I think we rarely want to discuss issues we view negatively, especially when we can't justify that negativity to ourselves or others. I shan't bother to tell you to keep on keepin' on as your blog does not reflect any defeatism on your part. Instead I'll encourage you to keep stretching and growing in your art. Good luck.
Here's the story at Pam's House Blend:
http://www.pamshouseblend.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=8548
Having BYU on your resume is pretty much a lifelong (or perhaps just career-long, I don't know for sure yet) buzzkill. I want to be outraged, but instead I'm unsurprised and embarrassed -- so in other words, the emotions I normally feel about The Why.
Mormon art is an oxymoron. Yours is a great project and absolutely inoffensive in every possible way -- and poignantly thought-provoking to boot. But they still managed to see something evil in it, something that mustn't be influential on those who would see it. Then again, this is the same institution that put covers on the Rodin exhibit because some of the sculptures are nude.
As a soon-to-be journalism graduate from BYU, what frustrates me the most is how BYU does everything it can to keep anyone from finding out what happened; if it was up to them, no one on campus, no students, no alumni, would know what happened or why it happened.
Instead of the BYU administration being open about their decision and defending it appropriately, their actions get swept under the rug - never to be covered in the campus or local papers, or in any public forum (other than a few blogs).
No. Instead they suppress discussion and asking questions (the very essence of what a university should be) and don't care about civil or constitutional rights.
Seems to me your message was heard, loud and clear. As a Mormon, and as a BYU Alumnus, I am not offended by the notion that people are human. In fact, none of us is perfect and we all have frailties, whether that is fear, closed-mindedness or seeing shadows in every corner. It even means that some people are more inclined sexually one way than another. How we respond to that is up to each person - whether that means the gay person chooses to follow their inclination or to fight it, or the straight person chooses to give in to a curiosity about homosexuality or to shun it. What strikes me as ironic is that each of us thinks we need to be right, and how offended we all are when someone tells us we are wrong.
When I was attending BYU, the MOA was new. We had an exhibit by Rodin, many of the pieces of which were not displayed. Someone said that just because an artist is great doesn't mean all of their work is great. I agreed with that comment conceptually, though I still wanted to see the pieces they did not display. I have always believed that the point of art is to make people think. And as I said, you were heard loud and clear. Thanks for the work you have been doing - I have been browsing it online - very impressive.
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