Ila Minson at IL State University
- Artist/Author/Producer: Ila Minson
- Confronting Bodies: unknown vandals
- Dates of action: 1993
- Location: Normal, Illinois
- Description of the Art Work
- Ila Minson's untitled, mixed-media work contains a lithograph of Jesus
praying in a garden with an overlay of photocopied newspaper articles
about pedophilia, rape and pornography, and a quotation from the Bible
which reads, "God made man in his own image."
- Description of incident
- After the show opened, Minson's truck was vandalized with a note reading,
"This is only the beginning. Remove your lieing[sic] Piece of work now.
If you choose to ignore us, your truck will continue to be at risk.
Listen or you will be sorry!" Fearing further attacks, Minson removed
her piece from the University Galleries and replaced it with her truck's
broken headlights and a letter from gallery officials, students and
community members. A letter from University Gallery officials said,
"University Gallery does not necessarily condone the removal of an
artwork from an exhibition, but we understand Ila's decision to do so --
she is simply trying to protect her property and her person from further
harm and threats of harm." Pens, tacks, and paper were supplied next to
the work so viewers could add their comments.
- Results of incident
- Viewers of the head light installation left letters of support.
Source: Artistic Freedom Under Attack 1994
Record no 210