The definition of “censorship” refers to the practice of an official who examines pre-published work and dissects and restricts aspects of said work that could be considered offensive, obscene, politically unacceptable or as a threat to security. However, when it comes to art and expression, the extend of the application of censorship can be somewhat controversial. Various reasons provide the foundation for the need for censorship, with issues such as the consent of models, the use and publication of works, targeted audience, cultural appropriation and legality providing the main sources of debate between artists, curators, critics and the general public, as will further be discussed.

The definition of pornography entails any media portraying or appropriating  explicit or sexually intended material, or which depicts compromising displays of sexual organs or activity, often works that do not specifically fit this criteria are subject to protest. Works can be found offensive for various reasons; viewers could feel uncomfortable due to their own personal cultural or religious heritage and experiences, or could feel unwillingly exposed to something they feel was not necessary for them to witness. For example, an obvious example of this can be seen through modern day music videos, such as the most recent of Robin Thicke’s songs; Blurred Lines. In the music video for the aforementioned song, girls are portrayed in a clearly sexual and degrading way, and when accompanied by misogonistic lyrics, the clip could be interpreted as demeaning by some, where as others might see it as a harmless and unintentionally funny video.

Born in 1955, Australian contemporary artist Bill Hensen is the most recent example of how censorship has progressed to the level of acceptability that is prevalent today. Focusing on the reality of childhood and vulnerability, Hensen became well known for the controversy caused over his naked photographs of underage children. After the opening night of Hensen’s exhibition  in Sydney (2008), Hensen’s work caused several calls to police, complaints in social media platforms and public outcry. The exhibition was cancelled and Police seized the photographs, and after an extended period of political debate, were finally returned to Henson for private use.

The image below is just one of many of Hensen’s controversial works. Depicting a naked youth flicking her hair against a darkened backdrop, the use of dull colour and contrast provokes the intimacy of the photo. The seemingly lifeless figure has been captured mid-movement, and conveys slightly disturbing feelings of gazing at an unknowing character while she is in such a vulnerable state. This work is one of the many photos seized by police after several complaints were lodged about Henson’s exhibition. Because of such works, accusations of Henson being a pedophile circulated, and many agreed his works should be considered child pornography, and because of this be illegal to own or distribute, while the opposing side celebrated what they believed was merely artistic expression.

In conclusion, censorship in art has always been a sensitive topic; causing varying levels of controversy throughout the time and culture they were considered. It is clear to see how time, culture, technology and social structure has changed how audiences receive such works, and how the boundaries set by each of these aspects were challenged by Hensen and cause for controversy. 

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