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

The goal in creating the art exhibition, Shvarts said, was to spark conversation and debate on the relationship between art and the human body. But her project has already provoked more than just debate, inciting, for instance, outcry at a forum for fellow senior art majors held last week. And when told about Shvarts’ project, students on both ends of the abortion debate have expressed shock — saying the project does everything from violate moral code to trivialize abortion.

But Shvarts insists her concept was not designed for “shock value.”

“I hope it inspires some sort of discourse,” Shvarts said. “Sure, some people will be upset with the message and will not agree with it, but it’s not the intention of the piece to scandalize anyone.”

For senior, abortion a medium for art, political discourse by Martine Powers – Yale Daily News

Like I said, I dont understand art.  I am sure that her exhibit will do exactly what Aliza Shvarts wants though, create discourse.  I personally have always felt that there is great value in challenging peoples opinions and beliefs in this fashon so I look forward to watching this play out.

While I sympathize with those who feel that this trivilizes the pain of an unwanted miscarriage I applaud Aliza Shvarts for the courage to make such a bold statement.  Hopefully we can all learn a little more about ourselves and our society through this.

The exhibit is open to the public from April 22nd to May 1st at the gallery of Holcombe T. Green Jr. Hall.  I’m sure by then everyone will know about this story so expect to hear more about this here.  If anyone has pictures I would be interested.  Thanks in advance and please feel free to leave comments.