CONTROVERSY OF the SENSATION EXHIBIT ARTWORKS

For this project, I was tasked with researching and analyzing Sensation, a groundbreaking yet polarizing art exhibition that premiered at the Royal Academy of Arts in London in 1997. Curated by Charles Saatchi, Sensation brought together works by the Young British Artists (YBAs), who tested the limits of artistic freedom and societal norms. Focusing specifically on the most controversial pieces: Myra by Marcus Harvey, The Holy Virgin Mary by Chris Ofili, and Au Naturel by Sarah Lucas. My goal was to unpack the exhibition’s cultural and political impact, addressing censorship debates, freedom of expression, and public morality.

The Process

The Outcome

This project deepened my understanding of art’s role in social critique and its power to confront taboo subjects. A key takeaway was recognizing how art can act as a mirror, reflecting society’s most uncomfortable truths, while also challenging viewers to question their own beliefs. This project honed my skills in art analysis and reinforced the importance of understanding the cultural and historical contexts behind provocative works.

I presented my findings to a panel, providing an in-depth analysis of each artwork’s significance and the larger implications of the exhibition’s controversial nature. Presenting to a live audience deepened my understanding of the complexities in analyzing controversial art. This experience sharpened my critical thinking and presentation skills, giving me a nuanced perspective on how art can confront social values and provoke essential dialogue.

Course: BANNED! Art and Controversy

Analysis of Artworks

The Holy Virgin Mary by Chris Ofili

Myra by Marcus Harvey's

Au Naturel by Sarah Lucas

To unpack the public and critical responses to Sensation, I began by researching the origins and intentions of the exhibition, curated by Charles Saatchi and featuring works by the rebellious Young British Artists (YBAs). I analyzed Myra, with its unsettling mosaic portrayal of a notorious figure; The Holy Virgin Mary, featuring controversial imagery that clashed with religious sensibilities; and Au Naturel, which utilized everyday objects to evoke raw, human themes.

My research included primary sources such as news articles, archival footage of protests, and artist interviews, capturing the intensity of reactions from critics, politicians, and conservative groups who viewed these pieces as obscenities rather than art.

Through this research, I sought to present a balanced perspective: How did each artwork push the boundaries of contemporary art, and what lasting impact did they leave on conversations about artistic freedom?