Members of the University of Richmond Community,
Each year the Modlin Center and the University Museums collaborate to provide a rich array of programming that not only serves the University of Richmond, but the greater Richmond area community as well. The Modlin Center and the Museums have received national recognition for the integration of performing and visual arts and for their coordination with faculty to allow for events that enrich the educational enterprise.
There are times when that programming touches on controversial topics and/or artists. This season includes a continuing exhibit of Robert Crumb’s work in the University Museums (August 20 to December 13, 2009), a public interview on October 27th with Robert Crumb conducted by Françoise Mouly, art editor for The New Yorker, and an online resource guide to Crumb’s work developed by VCU libraries, which hold one of the foremost collections of Crumb’s work.
While Mr. Crumb occupies a significant place in contemporary art and culture, his work has generated both positive and negative critical attention. Critics have described some of Crumb’s images as disturbing and some of his work as sexist, racist, and misogynistic. At the same time, to hear from Mr. Crumb firsthand was a unique opportunity for those interested in studying American culture. Further, some faculty in English, religion, and studio art combined the Modlin event with classroom discussion to examine this facet of popular culture with their students. While the University made it possible to hear this dialogue and examine Crumb’s work, that does not mean we condoned its content.
As we learn together as an academic community, we can not ignore or avoid controversial topics, artists, or authors, especially in a case like Crumb, who, for better or worse, has a significant place in the art world and popular culture. The arts, including Crumb’s work, hold a mirror up to society and create opportunities for conversation about the most difficult of topics. Indeed, Crumb’s work was intended to challenge much of how America saw itself in the sixties and seventies.
Mr. Crumb has not appeared publicly for over 20 years and is making a book tour to promote his newest graphic novel, “ The Book of Genesis.” The book tour began in Paris and New York before coming to Richmond. The next stop for the tour is Los Angeles where all 200+ pages of the original art, which comprises the book, are being shown at the Hammer Museum. The tour concludes at the University of Texas in Austin.
As an educational institution unequivocally committed to academic freedom and the free exchange of ideas, I trust we will consider Crumb’s work in ways that show our sensitivity and civility to everyone within our community.
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