Hello, all. I'd like to submit this article about Ron Oliver, taken
from another group and republish it here. I think it perhaps
important that we not forget the intimidation and ostricisation that
so many artists are subjected to by the moral guardians of our "free"
society.
This, in conjunction with a repeat of the Ron Oliver presentation made
here at the Galleries during 2007 April last!
Thank you!
VV
Ron Oliver is a photographer; he does not exhibit, or sell through
galleries, he takes photographs of children on commission from their
parents. Some of the photographs he takes are of naked children.
Oliver's work has been praised by the Bibliotheque Nationale de Paris
a portfolio of his work and he agrees with the parents and the
children the situation of the photograph.
Ron Oliver currently lives in Holland, he cannot return to Britain, as
his negatives, files, invoices and computer were all removed from his
home and studio. Over 20,000 negatives, 16 years of work are still in
the possession of the police. The Child Protection Act of 1978 has
been interpreted to illegalise the photography of a naked child under
the age of 16. Parents taking snapshots of children playing have been
criminalised. There is no definition of indecency in the Child
Protection Act, allowing the interpretation of police and Crown
Prosecution to decide whether Ron Oliver will be charged. Oliver does
not set out to challenge the establishment; it is not his intent to
expose the culture of control.
Historically, western Empire builders have sought to destroy the
cultures they discovered by removing as many aspects of the 'native'
culture as possible. Frequently this meant destroying thousands of
years worth of treasures, and killing or silencing the 'native'
artist. The current dictatorships of Asia and Central America followed
the West's example and today similarly silence dissenting artists.
Here in the civilised world things have changed; but only a little. On
the rare occasion that a modern artist challenges the accepted reality
tunnel, the establishment cannot have their throat cut - but they will
act with alarming efficiency to silence the transgressive voice
If a Ron Oliver photograph is taken in an atmosphere of trust and
innocence, then it must be the mind of the viewer that imposes the
pornographic label. The concept of free speech is rapidly abandoned by
all but a few when the ogres of pornography and child abuse are waved
under their nose. This is what the establishment hopes to achieve when
they attack transgressive artists. It is up to us to ensure that we
examine our own reactions to such art, supporting those who challenge
accepted reality, who search for alternative truths and perhaps find a
little beauty.
God Save Her Majesty the Queen.
God Preserve the Prince of Wales.
Rule Britannia!
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