R. Crumb stirring things up over at UR

Valerie Catrow — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:27:46 +0000

Artist and illustrator R. Crumb has caused quite the controversy over at the University of Richmond.

Crumb (who latest work was reviewed over here) recently stopped by the Carpenter Theatre for a UR/VCU sponsored event in which he discussed his newest book and his work as a whole. Crumb's work is also currently being exhibited at UR's Joel and Lila Harnett Museum of Art.

Crumb's lecture and exhibit prompted a big response from the UR community, specifically concerning his 1989 book "My Troubles with Women," featuring sometimes violent sexual encounters and sexual fantasies. The Collegian, UR's on-campus newspaper, recently published a few letters sent in by concerned students:

The Collegian is also reporting that Andrew Newcomb, dean of the school of arts and sciences, sent out a campus-wide email yesterday stating that while Crumb's appearance was sponsored by the University, they do not condone its content.

Apparently one of the biggest issues for the University community is that some students were required attend the R. Crumb event last week. Meanwhile, Betram Ashe, associate professor of English and American studies, assigned "My Troubles with Women" a documentary on Crumb, to his students in a course he teaches entitled "American Misfit: Geek Literature and Culture."

Go here to read the full story.

The whole controversy raises some interesting question that the UR community (and everyone, I suppose) needs to address:

Just because a work is deemed controversial or offensive, does that mean it is shouldn't be seen or studied?
What place do/should controversial artists like Crumb have in the art world?
This one comes from one of the letters sent in by a student: "“What are the bounds of academic freedom? Is it really permissible for any professor to include anything he or she desires in any class?"

Discuss here or over there. Just discuss.

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