Greenwich Reads Together brings art history expert and museum educator Danielle Ogden to Greenwich Library on Nov. 14 at 7 p.m. for a thought-provoking program on Uncovering Censorship and Identity in Art. The event is one of a host of discussions and activities happening this fall to engage the community in the major themes of this year’s Greenwich Reads Together book selection, Fahrenheit 451, a literary classic that presents a future American society where books are banned and firemen burn any that are found. This program is presented in conjunction with the Flinn Gallery.
While freedom of expression is considered essential to democratic values, some of the most influential works of art were first considered indecent, immoral or harmful to society and were removed, altered or even erased. Through close examination, discussion and reflection, Uncovering Censorship and Identity in Art will explore the answer to the question: Is it ever appropriate to censor a work of art, and if so, who should do the censoring?
The program will look at art censorship with a focus on specific issues, including sexuality, identity politics and our current social climate. We will unravel how artists have pushed the boundaries in imagery and content and address the ways in which social control of the arts can take numerous forms.
Danielle Ogden has more than 15 years of academic and museum experience. She is currently an Adjunct Professor at Fairfield University teaching the Modern Art and History, Theory and Practice of Museums courses. She also serves as a Museum Specialist to the Aldrich Museum in Ridgefield, CT, focused on Adult Learning. Prior to this she supported the launch of the National Gallery Singapore as Senior Manager of Adult Learning and Access Programs. Ogden has extensive experience designing and facilitating cross-disciplinary educational programs, leading in-gallery tours, lecturing and building programs for adult audiences at The Museum of Modern Art, Salve Regina University, The Fogg Art Museum at Harvard and The British National Trust. She holds an MA from Boston University in Art History and an Ed.M in Education from Harvard University.
The program is open to all. Reading Fahrenheit 451 is encouraged, but not necessary to attend. The book is available in multiple formats from the Library or can be purchased from Diane’s Books. It will take place in Greenwich Library’s Flinn Gallery, 101 W. Putnam Ave., Greenwich.
Registration is required through the Library’s calendar at www.greenwichlibrary.org. Visit www.greenwichreadstogether.org for a complete list of over 20 community programs, links to author interviews, book discussion guides and reviews. Greenwich Reads Together is supported by Lead Sponsor, The Friends of the Greenwich Library.
