Artist: Brooke Molla and Isabel Samaras.
Confronting Bodies: University of Oregon Erb Memorial Union Director
Date of Action: 1994
Specific Location: Eugene, Oregon
Description of Artwork: Brooke Molla's untitled work features four little girls' dresses that are stained and have cigarette holes burnt into them. One skirt has "If the Hole's not big enough, put it in her mouth" written across it. Isabel Samara's untitled piece is a television tray with "Star Trek" characters Spock and Captain Kirk embraced in a kiss painted on it.
Description of Incident: These two pieces were part of an ACLU exhibit called "See No Evil," part of a month-long "Uncensored Celebration." The artists were invited to display previously censored works. After the exhibit was installed the Union Director, Dusty Miller, told the Cultural Forum Visual Arts Coordinator, Anna Spickerman, that Saturn's and Molla's pieces violated the state's obscenity law. The two peices were curtained off from the rest of the exhibit, out of view from passing students.
Results of Incident: Spickerman organized a letter writing campaign to the Union Board of Directors requesting that they reconsider Miller's decision. The Board overturned his decision, however Miller appealed to the University President who did not respond. The curtains remained until the end of the exhibit.
Source: Artistic Freedom Under Attack, 1995.
Submitted By: NCAC