"The Censored” is on view at Artspace 304 through March 27th. This exhibition showcases artwork from Artspace 304's Print Collection exemplifying themes of artists’ censorship in coordination with books from the American Library Associations’ list of 100 Banned Books from 2010-2019. With this exhibit, we aim to produce conversations around a topic that is timely and pertinent. This exhibition delivers non-violent protest art, critiques of society and exposure of commonly challenged and banned books beyond the ALA’s list to the public.
The selected prints reflect artists that have been found controversial and evocative, receiving critiques as well as praise throughout their careers. Richard Mock’s linocut illustrations appeared in The New York Times in the 80s and 90s as editorial cartoons. Kiki Kogelnik’s prints address issues of femininity in corporate advertising. Alison Saar’s prints focus on African diaspora and black female identity. William Nelson Copley uses Pop Art elements and stereotypical American imagery as satire. This collection of politically motivated art and literature, delves into topics of self-expression, telling one’s story, giving agency and exposure to censored, challenged and banned works in our society.
Share your favorite banned, challenged or censored book with us during your visit to the gallery. Write the title and author on our exhibition library checkout cards and we’ll display them for our gallery viewers. Artspace 304’s business hours are Wednesday through Saturday from 12-5 pm. Parking is available in the First Christian Church parking lot, located on W Monroe St and S University Ave in Carbondale, IL. For more information on exhibitions, programming and events, please visit artspace304.org.
