"...frankly I can't stand this stuff."

Usually I would say ‘no’ – our Government’s don’t have the right to censor our art. Although, I think when it comes to the rights of children – then yes the Government has the right to censor. Although these artists are clearly comfortable in photographing and publishing naked images of their; and other peoples, children, I feel the overwhelming majority of parents would be horrified at the thought of their naked children being on public display. It’s sad that we live in a society where people sexualize children – but unfortunately this is the reality. I’m not sure if the debate concerning whether these images are art or child pornography are very useful. This is pretty subjective. Because this art is subjective, because these children are potentially open to exploitation and sexualisation (even if this was not the purpose of the work) I personally feel this art should be censored. However, we should not let censorship make us blind to the real issue of concern that these images are catalyst for. We have a national crisis when it comes to child exploitation, child sexualisation and child sexual abuse. It’s perhaps misleading to quote figures – because no human being is a number – but when we have one in five of our children, nieces, nephews, cousins, grandchildren who are under 18 being sexually assaulted – then alarm bells ring. The art in question is clearly not so alarming, but could this type of art contribute to our cultural trend toward child sexualisation? Personally I don’t see these images as inspiring forms of art. To some people it obviously is though. Children are beautiful and innocent. I think it is art enough to admire their beauty and foster their young personalities in our communities. We don’t need naked images of children on public display to remind us of their vulnerability and innocence. I feel this violates a child’s right to privacy. The child cannot make an informed decision about their taking part in this form of art. Art Monthly’s portrayal of this six year old was clearly in response to the debate stirred by Bill Henson’s work. Therefore was this young girl used as a political tool to further adult debate? How comfortable are we with children being used to sell products and political ideas? "Art is always and everywhere the secret confession, and at the same time the immortal movement of its time." - Marx