So. The opening of Bull Hensons new photographic exhibition was shut down last night pending further investigation by the Australian police as to whether or not the photos constitute as child pornography.

The exhibition features photo's where children of 12 - 13 years of age appear naked, or partially clothed, under Henson's trademark use of shadows, lighting and colour.

When originally interviewed on his exhibition, Henson mentions that the photo's were mostly taken in Europe, with the children and their parents both considering their involvement before taking part.

Have we in Australia sexualised our society so much that when we see a naked child we instantly think of it in a sexual context?

I've seen one of the photo's (which also featured on the opening nights invitation) and I think its a beautiful emotive portrait of a young girl on the crux of puberty, uncertain about who she is or who she might become. She's certainly not laying in a provocative pose, spreading her legs or holding herself in a manner that might suggest she is attempting to seduce the viewer.

I was reading on another forum a post a young mother had made, concerned her 5 year old son was trying to grope her breasts, 'rubbing his tiny penis against her' whenever he wanted a hug. How absurd is the world becoming when a childs own mother sees them in a sexual light at five years of age?

All of this coming after the furor over that ridiculous Miley Cirus photo and underage models in baths together... I really can't comprehend where we are going to end up as a society. Will it get to the point of parents being afraid to take photos of their newborns taking their first bath because they are afraid people will think they are perverts?

An article on the exhibition featured on SMH.com can be found here

As a designer I can see and appreciate the artistic side. As a brother of a sister of the same age I can also see the distaste in the full nudie shots.

Unfortunately the world is a darker evil place then what we once remembered it to be. These were takin 10 yrs ago from what I've read, so I guess it was more innocent then? I think the media and internet have sexualised everything. I'm constantly surprised with topics of conversations on prime time sitcoms that my sister watches, sex, this sex that. I feel like a prude and it gets uncomfortable sometimes watching these sitcoms with my sister. I remember when I was a kid, if I wanted to see some full nudity I'd switch to late night SBS..ha now kids can just watch Big Brother uncensored at 9:30.

I didnt see anything wrong with with Miley's pics, I thought they were great. There will always be the gossiping extremist narrow minded wet blankets out there that will always pick on the negatives.

Clueless people will always agree with the mass.

It's an interesting issue as other photographers have really kicked up a fuss about it.

Personally I appreciate the artistic and deeper meaning as well. I can see his intent, however his expression and method has obviously created controversy. I'm not agreeing or disagreeing with his methods and it takes a lot of courage to do something like this. Henson's work has always been stunning and the artistic value and expression is always there.

It's easier for people to start blaming one another rather than taking responsibility for themselves about situations. Sure it may not have a direct link to us, however if we all become subservient and are unconfident about expressing how we feel, then humanity itself is heading for a darker period.

It's not about agreeing on everything, however still having the respect and allowing others the opportunity to express themselves. In this example, allowing Henson to continue expressing his art and having the respect to continue this exhibition. They can monitor the people who attend the exhibition and leave it at that?

So the exhibition is reopening with some of the more 'offensive' images removed. Bollocks. Hasn't the idea of art always been to show it, and let people make up their own minds about it?

Also, they are attempting to lay charges against Henson based on a few of the images that were published on the internet.

Its so, so stupid.

thats abit stiff. fair enough censorship but charges? Hopefully this bad publicity will turn into more awareness for his art.

Post Last Updated:24.05.2008 at 00.48

Artistic freedom is to be fought for, held preciously and carefully. I could write pages on this but no doubt you can guess my views from my previous posts. Dancia captures beautifully many of my thoughts.

Alicia

xx

From what I have seen, I would perceive Henson's series to be a commentary on the sexualisation of children. It is ironic that he would be condemned for sexualising children when he seems to be targeting just this problem through his artwork.

The ABC have decided to join in with the current topics and re-air a doco on Bill Henson tonight at 10pm.

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