Editorial: Viewers need no warning

Tauranga Art Gallery has come under fire for displaying two photos featuring coarsely worded messages scrawled in ballpoint beside images of a 1974 gay liberation dance.

Jocelyn Winwood was so appalled that she emailed the Bay's political leaders, Tauranga councillors and the Bay of Plenty Times asking for the photos to be withdrawn from the Now and Then exhibition of contemporary New Zealand photography.

Mrs Winwood said she was astonished and disgusted that such exhibits could be viewed by the public, regardless of age.

She described the work as repugnant, and found the text, which contained sexual references, to be unforgivable.

Gallery director Penelope Jackson said the images were small works and discreetly hung.

Art often challenges us, some would argue that is its purpose. It should provoke a response, encourage debate and provide an alternative view of society.

The two art works have created controversy ever since they were first exhibited in 1975.

A Taranaki gallery withdrew them because they were "indecent". The comments accompanying the images were selected by the participants featured in the gay lib dance photos.

Tauranga councillor Murray Guy said the photos should have carried the warning "Art works may be offensive".

I disagree.

A good art gallery will contain a range of works - some of which will challenge our sensibilities and established norms.

People who visit art galleries should expect there will be work that pushes the boundaries.