Emily Carr would not be amused

Re Art show cancelled amid controversy, May 2

I find it truly a shame that La Grotta’s exhibition was cancelled and that this event was so criticized.

What is art if not the expression of one’s feelings and emotions? If this artist chooses to express herself with this style of art, then why not?

Emily Carr, acknowledged as one of Canada’s foremost artists, was also influenced by our indigenous people. Yet her work has been praised, not criticized, as La Grotta’s has been.

To think that such artists are denigrating another’s culture by their own selfexpression of it is as ridiculous as saying that musicians cannot allow other culture’s music, spirituality and language to be reflected in their art.

In these days of extreme hypersensitivity to the demands of races or groups, which have undoubtedly been very badly treated historically, we must remember that we all seek and deserve dignity, recognition and freedom, including the freedom of expression.

It is most unfortunate that the owners of Vision Gallery did not have the courage to stand up and support this artist and not give way to public pressure.

This form of censorship has no place in a free society.

Ann Marie Barry, Aurora

The cancellation of an art show scheduled to highlight the work of Amanda PL is another example of political correctness run amok.

I presume that (Anishnaabe artist) Chief Lady Bird would be aghast to learn the following:

“Kol Nidre,” the music written to commemorate the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, was written by a non-Jew, Max Bruch. And the most popular song of all time, written to celebrate the Christian Christmas holiday, was written by a Jew, Irving Berlin.

Nobody in those days railed against the silliness of who can write or produce what.

Howard Bargman, Toronto