Ila Minson
Date: 1993
Region: North America
Subject: Political/Economic/Social Opinion , Religion
Medium: Mixed Media
Artist: Ila Minson
Confronting Bodies: unknown vandals
Dates of Action: 1993
Location: Normal, Illinois
Description of Artwork: 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."
The 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