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Articulture poster causes controversy

In a corner on the first floor of the STEM building sits a dumpster which also serves as a coffin. Most students walk by and don’t pay any attention. But some are curious and look inside.

This work of art called “Dumpster Coffin” is part of the Articulture exhibit at the DCCC Marple campus. The exhibit is a biennial arts festival which runs from March 30 to April 27.

According to a DCCC press release, “this year’s festival is presented to cultivate the arts in the Delaware Valley through the presentation of contemporary works and performances by featured artists of both regional and international reputation.”

Recently, three lithographs (posters) that were part of the exhibit were vandalized. Lithographs that read “Satan is happy with your progress,” were torn down and spat upon, said Caitlin Flaherty, managing director of Articulture.

“[Vandalism] occurred a couple of days before the exhibition actually opened officially,” Flaherty said.

Two other lithographs remain undamaged: “Los Angeles was a riot, I was treated like a King”; Other than that Mrs. Lincoln how did you like the play.”

All of the artwork in this exhibit is to display what DCCC’s web site refers to as “dark humor in recent art.”

Some students must not have understood.

The vandalized lithographs are believed to have stirred controversy because of the name “Satan” was printed upon them. Whether you worship Satan or follow any other religion, it’s each person’s decision, and that too makes the lithograph getting torn down wrong.

“We found out that there has been a rift between alleged Satan worshipping students and other Christian students,” said a DCCC faculty member who preferred to remain anonymous. “We can't confirm who did this.”

Clearly, it wasn’t up there to promote Satanism, but some students may have taken it that way. It was artwork. It’s up there to make anyone who passes by laugh, think, or even admire the creativity of the artist, George Horner.

“If it was just an art poster, [students] should have left it alone,” said Paige Peters, 18, a liberal arts major.

I’m sure anyone who puts effort into a paper or a piece of art here at DCCC would not appreciate his or her work being torn up or spat upon. How would you feel if your teacher ripped your paper up and spat on it?

Not good right?

Although the culprits who tore these lithographs down were not found, and may never be found, this should be a lesson for us here at DCCC. We need to respect art, and appreciate the work and personal beliefs of students at the college.

Contact Bill Goldhahn at communitarian@mail.dccc.edu

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