Ethics is a critical topic of discussion among scientists. Someone may suggest that artists don’t think about ethics though; that art should be free to express anything.
Well, is it?
It really depends on what kind of artist you want to be. Mainstream artists of pop culture do not really care about ethics I would say, even if they have been criticised times to times about their exhibits and their actions. However, contemporary art, most of the time relay on background research that would endorse the art piece.
For this reason, in this article, we will discuss a recent problem with ethics that occurred during a recent group project I took part.
The problem had to do with the use of sensitive images from the war of Syria and the Syrian’s journey to Europe. The final artefact did not include these photos but the process to create it had to do with the use of them and the exposition in other people.
The question is who gave us the right to use these images? Who gave us the right to use the pain of other people to create art.
Trying to advocate our selves we will find ground on the fact that we live in the era of technology that gives us the privilege to know and witness what is happening in places far from our location. With the power of the Internet and new technologies of photography and filming (like drones), there is a massive amount of images and information available to the western world regarding distant places. The information is open to everyone want to find it and use it from the right that each website takes to publish these photographs. That leads us to question the right to record the facts in the first place without getting a permit.
This is a vicious circle
Personally, I cannot question the fact that technology gives us knowledge. Photography is a new way to chronicle the history of today.
As far as we do not offend someone, we can use sensitive material in our art in order to produce new knowledge and to raise awareness.
I think that is one possible answer to the question is it ethical to use photos from the war for an art piece.
It is, as far as it is used with an ultimate aim to make a statement.
More information about our project :
https://connectedempathyin.wixsite.com/connectedemotions