Oregon Art Center Rejects Dick and Jane January 17, 2014 – Posted in: Art, Books and Art, Exhibits

Talk about watching Dick and Jane run into the 21st century The piece is called “School Days” and it was submitted to the Emerald Art Center monthly members’ show by Linda Cunningham. Cunningham created the assemblage in response to the Sandy Hook school massacre. The center rejected the piece deeming it “too controversial” and “inappropriate.” Cunnigham said she: did this piece because of my feelings about Sandy Hook and all the little children and teachers who were…

Taliban bans Malala Yousufzai’s memoir in Peshawar, booksellers frightened October 16, 2013 – Posted in: Banned / Censored / Destroyed, Uncategorized

A copy of the memoirs of Pakistani child activist Malala Yousufzai is pictured in a bookstore in Islamabad on October 8, 2013. — Photo by AFP The decree appeared in the local newspapers. “The Taliban will not lose an opportunity to kill Malala Yousufzai and those who were found selling her book will be targeted.” It is censorship at its finest. The booksellers of Peshawar realize the imminent danger and have cancelled orders for…

Banned, Burned, Censored and Challenged: A Visual Celebration for Banned Books Week September 23, 2013 – Posted in: Banned / Censored / Destroyed

Happy Banned Books Week! It’s time to pay tribute to all the books that enriched our lives yet where the target of various forces that tried to keep them from the shelves. The freedom to read what one wishes is a fundamental right that cannot be compromised. Here’s to all the parents, librarians and teachers who stand up on a regular basis to protect this essential freedom. – Thanks! Lawrence Ferlinghetti outside City Lights Book Store…

Ban Guns Not Books April 11, 2013

Hard to beat, let alone explain to our kids, this incredibly powerful image.Moms Demand Action was founded in response to the mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School.Their mission is to demand action NOW to:1) Ban assault weapons and ammunition magazines that hold more than 10 rounds.2) Require background checks for all gun and ammunition purchases. 3) Report the sale of large quantities of ammunition to the ATF, and ban online sales of ammunition.4) Make gun…

Violence begets Violence: Arthistory by Matej Kosir April 10, 2013

In his series Arthistory Matej Kosir tackles the prevalence of violence in society. History often shows us “that the winner of the violent conflict always has justified reasons to be violent, because he uses his dominance to (re)write the history” says Kosir. Kosir aims to show “our contradictory relationship to the violence, namely the use of violence in order to control it (either to stop it or to prevent its reappearing).” By taking noted paintings by artists…