"> Name: Self Portrait of a Martyr by Lucong

Date: 1995 - present

Location: North America

SubjectPolitical/Economic/Social Opinion ,Religious

MediumPainting


Artist: Cong Lu, "Lucong"

Confronting Bodies: Students at the Art Students League of Denver (ASLD)

Date of Action: November 14, 2002

Specific Location: ASLD's main lobby at 200 Grant St.

Description of Artwork: Depiction of a young Asian man lifting his shirt up revealing his torso strapped with explosives, and a pistol tucked into his waistband.



Description of Incident: After Lucong's receipt of a Student Best of Show award his paintings was hung in the main lobby of the ASLD. Shortly thereafter, several students complained about the painting, calling it anti-American, anti-Semitic and anti-Christian. These students wanted the painting moved to a less prominent spot in the school.



Results of Incident: The artist's right to self-expression and the artworks placement received the full support of the executive director of the ALSD, the faculty and the board of directors. The painting remained in its location.



Source: NCAC, from an article in the RockyMountainNews.com

Submitted By: Peter Silverman


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