Posted: October 5th, 2016

Does this decision amount to artistic censorship?

A number of tabloid newspapers carried photographs of the exhibit on their
front pages in which the earrings could be clearly seen. Should the
newspapers have been charged with the offence?
9 . When an exhibition was staged of the work of Whistler, an artist, at the National Gallery in the 19th century, the art critic, John Ruskin, wrote an article describing Whistler s work as throwing a pot of paint in the face of the public . Today, Whistler is regarded as a major artist and his work is to be found in all major art collections. Perhaps the same view might be taken of
Gibson s view in 100 year s time? In this context, consider Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights, below. Could it be argued that this decision is a breach of Article 10? Does this decision amount to artistic censorship?
European Convention on Human Rights 1950, Article 10
1. Everyone has the right to freedom of expression. This right shall include freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart information and ideas without interference by public authority and regardless of frontiers. This article shall not prevent States from requiring the licensing of broadcasting, television or cinema enterprises.
2. The exercise of these freedoms, since it carries with it duties and responsibilities, may be subject to such formalities, conditions, restrictions or penalties as are prescribed by law and are necessary in a democratic society, in the interests of national security, territorial integrity or public safety, for the prevention of disorder or crime, for the protection of health or morals, for the protection of the reputation or rights of others, for preventing the disclosure of information received in confidence, or for maintaining the authority and impartiality of the judiciary.