A question about changing perceptions of Art

[sqbr]

I wrote this while I was pondering the thoughts that eventually turned into More thoughts about Art and responsibility and then forgot about it.

So. Have there been any examples of a piece of art (in the broad sense, including books etc) which in it's day was controversial and seen as shocking/borderline illegal etc but also lauded as groundbreaking and shining a light on Important Ideas, but is now generally considered to be just bad taste/immoral for the same/similar reasons it was controversial? (Something which was, say, controversial for it's nudity but is now denigrated for it's racism doesn't count)

The best I can think of is Tom Jones, which I remember thinking when I read it years ago was far too much in favour of free sex for men given the consequences at the time for women (who it doesn't care about, unless they're sweet natured virgins)

(Currently going through my "Draft posts" folder, which goes back to 2007. Started with 84 posts, am now up to mid 2008 and down to 42 posts)

Comments

[aquaeri]

I think most stuff that gets that "brilliantly groundbreaking" label is going to keep it, for historical reasons if nothing else.

So DH Lawrence was certainly shocking and groundbreaking and is still regarded as such, but I'm not sure there's much there for modern readers. Erica Jong might be a bit what you're looking for. It seems to me there's a particular era here.

(Actually, maybe look for some history of 50s and 60s art films. I'm pretty sure I read some stuff about some of those being exciting, groundbreaking etc then and no-one can remember them, or is vaguely embarassed by them, now.)

[sqbr]

Hmm, ok, thanks.

(I spent a while trying to think of something more substantial to say in reply to this, but I couldn't think of anything :))