Art's intention is education

Artwork displayed in Woodburn Hall and the Health, Physical Education and Recreation building have provoked some debate on campus. The Black Student Union held a town hall meeting last week to discuss the artwork, including murals in Woodburn 100 depicting Ku Klux Klansmen and swastikas adorning the tiling of the HPER building. Students expressed concern over the possibly offensive material.\nThe artwork hanging on the walls of Woodburn 100 is one panel of a more than 250-foot mural created by American artist Thomas Hart Benton for the Indiana hall at Chicago's Century of Progress Exposition in 1933. The mural in its entirety depicts the history of the Hoosier state and has been displayed in various locations around campus since 1941.\nWhile we encourage the discussion that arises around the implications of the artwork, we believe that the work should not be moved or altered. The scene of a Klan rally and cross-burning was dedicated to affect change in society by showing a painful reality of Indiana life. The work was intended to spark moral outrage toward an egregious racial problem that has subsequently become part of history. It is vital to recall the reality that Benton, a social activist, was working to end. \nTo take down the mural would be a denial of the racism and hardships that African Americans faced throughout U.S. history. Although the depiction of klansmen is a searing and provocative image, it shows a truth that makes the celebration of progress sweeter. It reminds us that the need for more progress remains. \nThe swastikas throughout the tiling of the HPER building were once a symbol of peace, luck, love, life and light by both Hindus and Native Americans. The symbol appears in excavations of ancient Rome, Grecian cities and on Chinese coins dated 315 B.C. The swastika was a popular design element at the time the walls were designed in 1917 before Nazis seized the symbol as their own.\nChanging art and architecture to conform to current norms is a revision of history. Our past is too rich with lessons for us to attempt changing it.\n