Definition of a TRUE Art Gallery

I recently had a disagreement with a photo club member in regards to the definition of what a true art gallery was.

The McMullen Gallery has as one of their criteria for submission the following requirement.

"work needs to be sensitive in content to the needs of hospital patients and their families who make up 50% of the McMullen's attendance -- "

Since emails led to a confused response I thought I would clarify my feelings in this little blog entry.

Art to me is all about freedom, it is freedom of expression and thought, it is challenging others to see things in new and exciting ways, it is communicating a message without expressive restrictions. The idea that you have to conform to THE NEEDS OF THE HOSPITAL PATIENTS AND THEIR FAMILES seems to me like a complete sell out. It is a form of censorship a form of control that the artist should not be held down by. An artist should have the freedom to show work that does NOT conform that does ask and force questions from its viewer. When you create work that conforms to the needs of the patients and their families what you are really doing is compromising your work. The artist and the viewer (even hospital veiwers) are both hurt when art is reduced to something that conforms and does not take chances. We should not let galleries dictate to us what we SHOULD SHOW.


I believe because of the requirements of the McMullen Gallery it is not really a TRUE art gallery but instead a place where patients and distraught families can go and relax, the requirement for McMullen art is that it soothes and sedates, sort of like taking a valium.

Is that the reason for Art? to be a Sedative? Not in my opinion.