Opinion: Controversial artwork goes up and down

To the editor: An artist expresses what he/she sees, experiences or feels. The resulting artwork reveals what that is. In the case of the disputed Capitol Hill painting, what is revealed is a world of conflict and ugliness. ( “Capitol tug of war over a painting,” Jan. 11)

The artist has a right and an opportunity to make this expression and those who view it have rights to their own opinions of it. The painting was submitted, accepted in accordance with the rules of the exhibit and hung. What it shows is a view of the artist’s world.

The fact that it is disturbing to some might engender some reflection on the reality of our society, rather than a condemnation of the content of the art work.

Unfortunately, removing the controversial work will not remedy the situation it depicts.

Karen Scott Browdy, Camarillo

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To the editor: This is the second time recently that this issue has prompted The Times to publish a story — and more importantly, a photo of the art work.

I wonder if the Republicans appreciate the irony of their actions raising the value of said artwork manyfold, and bringing prominence to what previously was an unknown artist.

Ron Garber, Duarte

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