In May 2010, M.F.A. sculpture graduate candidate, Stephen L. Hayes presented a series of life-sized sculptures depicting shackled slaves during the middle passage. Each sculpture featured the face of a SCAD Atlanta student. This work, titled Cash Crop, was presented as Hayes’ thesis exhibition at Mason Murer Gallery. It reminded viewers of the horrors of the slave trade even as it cited existing issues of inequality, prejudice and abuse. In a city like Atlanta, with its history of slavery, racism and civil rights battles, Cash Crop made quite a statement. SCAD fully supported the exhibition.
“This particular art, and art like it, are the reason why SCAD was created,” said Art Malloy, Dean of Student Success. “We encourage our students to create art that tells a story and helps our world progress from one era to the next. We want our students to push the envelope.”
Students, however, have made claims of censorship by SCAD administrators citing the example of a nude male photograph pulled from an exhibition in event space 4C.
“I’m familiar with that photography,” said Malloy. “It wasn’t pulled because of the nudity. It was pulled because it didn’t showcase good skill. I’m not a photographer by any stretch of the word and I could have taken that photo.”
Malloy explained that although SCAD is a private university, it is no different from any other American college campus when it comes to speech and expression. Every student has a right to voice their opinion in a professional and respectful manner. The SCAD Atlanta Code of Conduct only prohibits speech that places a person in fear of or at risk of imminent physical injury or danger, sexually harasses, or inflicts mental or emotional distress through intimidation, harassment or coercion.
“Everyone has a different comfort level, we know. But we also understand the importance of promoting the next Robert Mapplethorpe. We ask that our students seek the advice of faculty when doing any type of cutting edge art because we want to see the art realized and we want work to be good work. If a faculty member works with a student, there’s not going to be any controversy over whether or not it gets displayed. If it is nude art, we just ask for a heads up so we can put out a warning of adult content to any visitors coming through with children.”
As Malloy stated, SCAD goes out of its way to provide a space for artists to grow and develop. “There are thousands of examples of provocative art on display for every one piece nixed from exhibition. What’s most important is that the art demonstrates skill and taste. Tell a story. Make it good. We’ll put it on display and be proud of it.”
