I wanted to post a quick update on the story of Aliza Schvarts’ Abortion Art Project I wrote about yesterday just to let you all know how the story is playing out. In such a short time there has been a lot going on and a lot of blogs that I really admire have posted about this.
As predicted the story has spread quickly on both sides of the pro-choice debate. The response from the anti-choicers has been as predictable as always, but not so on the pro-choice side. Thats to be expected though from a group that sees the world in many shades of grey and not in absolutes. One advantage of this approach is you don’t look so foolish when things aren’t as they first appear. That seems to be the case here.
First the school came out with a statement saying that the art piece was performance art and wasn’t real.
Ms. Shvarts is engaged in performance art. Her art project includes visual representations, a press release and other narrative materials. She stated to three senior Yale University officials today, including two deans, that she did not impregnate herself and that she did not induce any miscarriages. The entire project is an art piece, a creative fiction designed to draw attention to the ambiguity surrounding form and function of a woman’s body.
She is an artist and has the right to express herself through performance art.
Had these acts been real, they would have violated basic ethical standards and raised serious mental and physical health concerns.
Helaine S. Klasky — Yale University, Spokesperson
Aliza Schvarts is standing by her original claim that she did in fact artificially inseminate herself while taking herbs to induce miscarriage. Personally I would say that the most likely scenareo at this point is that it is in fact a performance art piece. As such the contradictions and vague message makes perfect sense.
The debate and response to the performance is part of the art and while some may disagree I think it has great value. As I clarified in a comment to my earlier post there is value in forcing people to ponder whether their support of womens rights and reproductive freedom is absolute or if its just theoretical. Real or not her art project has accomplished that.
As we seldom get many comments (though the quality has recently improved greatly) I suggest heading over to Feministing as the discussion there is very good. Of course I love hearing your thoughts too so please dont hesitate to post a comment.
William ~ WWJV4.com