I know this is not going to be a popular
stance, but, I too am more than slightly
uneasy about this entire Henson business.

Why is he going after under age children, again,
as models for his photography?

It would seem that he's "been there, done that,"
to death. Although he got heaps of publicity
out of it the last time, didn't he? Now his name
is known by just about everybody in this country.
Previously, it was probably known to only a select
few.

I'm convinced that it is because of the controversy
the subjects produce
that brings in not only the fame, but the mega bucks.
I don't somehow
believe that Henson's doing it purely for "art's sake."

And it is therefore taking advantage of his subjects,
for his self promotion, that adds to the considerable
unease that I feel regarding this photographer.

Talented, yes, I don't doubt it.
But,I'd like to say to him, move on -
and select another subject matter.

For "Art's sake!" Not your own!

Pelican I understand your POV.

While I am not as concerned by Henson as much as I am by the constant contact by religious chaplains, perhaps the best solution is to simply ban the "bloomin' lot". Then no-one can complain. Keep schools for their intended purpose to enable children to grow into and find their way in the adult world.

Without tales of the supernatural or the intrusion of artists.

;-)

Robert sums up the loony (depraved) left. He would rather have a promoter of child porn sussing out the kids than he would a Chaplain.

CJ writes

'Don't tell me the religionists are now trying to reduce art to the level of religion, as they do with atheism, environmentalism etc.'

The exploitive child porn promoters do a good enough job with reducing art to the gutter. Even Ms Gillard has been forced to look into this. Many sick minds seem attracted to this rubbish.

The idea that Henson should stop photographing child models because he's already done it demonstrates a complete lack of familiarity with his body of work. So does the idea that he's a publicity seeker. Henson slaved away in relative obscurity for ten years, then with growing fame for twenty years. I don't believe he did all that in the hope that someone someday would call for his work to be banned and therefore create a controversy. If he had done, why did he never comment on that controversy, but rather shy away from it?

And Foxy, do you really think he's doing it for the "megabucks"? For a start, he already commanded megabucks — Malcolm Turnbull is a serious collector, you know, as is the Tate Modern and MOMA. Is there any evidence that he's attracting significantly higher prices since the Roslyn Oxley incident?

I think it's highly inappropriate for Henson to be allowed into a school to scope for models. I also agree with those who say it's inappropriate for religious people to enter schools to harvest souls, or for modelling agencies to pluck out the pretty girls for modelling shoots. Schools are for learning. Plus, there are parents who, for whatever reason, might be extremely affronted by the idea that he's considering their children as artist models. This whole debate spins on the idea of consent, after all. This massive error of judgment belongs to the school principal, however, more than Henson, though Henson should take some of the blame.

Some people love Bill Henson's work. Others hate it. But it seems that everyone has opinions on his motives, and to me, many of these opinions do not seem informed by Henson's career, work, or public statements. I agree with those of you who suggest that Henson, a reclusive man who seems to live in one of his own photographs, has removed himself from the realities of they everyday world. Perhaps there is some "artistic arrogance" (although not in the Polixeni Papapetrou and hubby camp) in someone who has been very successful for a long time

cont...

But popularism? I cannot see it in Henson's work. I certainly can't see, as Foxy suggests, that his motives are financial or that he's after notoriety rather than having a deep artistic investment in the aesthetic he's developed over the last couple of decades. Henson has travelled in a singular direction — through poverty, through great success and now through cultural disdain. Do you have any evidence for believing his motives are not artistic, or is it just your opinion?

I'd be happy to hear arguments for it. But, at this stage, I counter that everything he's said and produced indicate he is a brilliant artist who is saturated in the art world, unmoved by popular opinion and consequently rather unable to see what the fuss is about. As an artist, he is accountable to the same laws as every other Australian — no more, no less. So far, he hasn't broken any.

I highly recommend reading Henson's speech at the NG — the link is at the bottom of this page: http://www.bananasinpyjamas.com/news/opinion/speeches/

A list of his exhibitions, dating from 1975, here: http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,23741573-5001021,00.html

CJ: "Don't tell me the religionists are now trying to reduce art to the level of religion, as they do with atheism, environmentalism etc."

Excellent point. It's already giving me flashbacks to the horror of the "what evidence would make you turn" thread.

It's highly inappropriate that he be allowed into schools to look for potential nude child models, assuming that's the real reason he was there. That's NOT the place to look.

Was prior permission gained from parents in order to allow this?

If permission was not granted, I'm close to certain that the person at the school who allowed it, and also the artist, could be successfully legally restrained from doing this in the future. I also wouldn't be surprised if laws have been broken.

This is providing the reports are factually true, and that the purpose of the visit was to suss out potential nude child models. But as we know, or some of us know, what we read 'aint necessarily so.

I tell ya what though, if it's 100% factually true, and happened at my child's school, my wife would phone me immediately, I'd leave work immediately, and we'd both be on the principal's doorstep ASAP to give her an earbashing and then immediately we'd be at the police station to see if a complaint and charges can be laid.