This document discusses perception, artistic freedom, and censorship. It begins by defining perception and includes examples of the artist's works depicting political and religious figures. The document notes that freedom of speech encompasses many forms of expression. It then defines censorship as suppression of communication deemed objectionable by those in power. The artist warns of limits on speech in academic institutions that restrict "offensive" ideas, and advocates for protection of expression regardless of how others may view the opinion. In closing, the document provides links to organizations supporting free expression and academic freedom.

1. Perception, Artistic Freedom,
and Censorship.
by
Stanley Bermudez
Visual Artist and Adjunct Instructor at
Gainesville State College

2. DNA Molecule Models

4. B

5. Perception

6. (pər-sĕp'shən)
n.
1.The process, act, or faculty of perceiving.
2.The effect or product of perceiving.
3.Psychology.
a.Recognition and interpretation of sensory stimuli based chiefly on memory.
b.The neurological processes by which such recognition and interpretation are
effected.
4.
a.Insight, intuition, or knowledge gained by perceiving.
b.The capacity for such insight.

7. You should see a man's face
and also a word...
Hint: Try tilting your head to
the right, the world begins
with 'L'

12. Acrylics and Oil Markers on Canvas, The World, 2000

13. Acrylics on Canvas, Jesucrista, 1998

14. Artistic Freedom

15. “Speech has been broadly defined as an expression
that includes, but is not limited to, what you wear,
read, say, paint, perform, believe, protest, or even
silently resist.”
(French, Lukianoff, & Silverglate, 2005)

16. Osama Bin Laden, Acrylics on Canvas, 2005

17. Adolph Hitler, Acrylics on Canvas, 2005

18. Fidel Castro, Acrylics on Canvas, 2003

19. George W. Bush, Acrylics on Canvas, 2003

20. Acrylics on Canvas, God, 2007

21. Mixed Media, Hugo Chavez Frias Altar, 1998

22. Acrylics on Canvas, Hugo Chavez Frias I, 2006

23. Censorship

24. Censorship is the suppression of speech or other
communication which may be considered objectionable,
harmful, sensitive, or inconvenient to the general body of
people as determined by a government, media outlet, or
other controlling body.
(Wikipedia)

25. Acrylics on Canvas, Jesucrista, 1998

26. Acrylics, Oil Markers and Collage on Canvas, Loosing Our Freedoms, 1999

27. “…the concept of “academic freedom”, ensured,
in theory at least, that discussion of even the most
controversial and provocative issues should be
vigorous and unfettered on campuses, all in the
name of the search for truth that almost all liberal arts
institutions long have claimed as their governing ethic.”
(French, Lukianoff, & Silverglate, 2005)

28. Acrylics on Canvas, Heritage?, 2010

29. Beware of schools administrators who attempt to limit
speech or communication to only those ideas or
thoughts that are not “offensive,” “harassing.” or
“marginalizing.” They may try to argue that your speech
is less worthy of protection because, from their
perspective, it is not “constructive.” it does not “advance
campus dialogue,” or it is “hateful” or detracts from “a
sense of community.” … if your only goal is to express
an opinion or idea (no matter how bizarre or unsettling
that opinion strikes others), that expression is protected
by the First Amendment from governmental interference.
(French, Lukianoff, & Silverglate, 2005)

30. Artworks

31. Tres Tristes Gatos, Acrylics on Canvas, 2009

32. Judith Silva Perez, Acrylics on Canvas, 2008

33. Oil Pipe Inspection, Acrylics on Canvas, 2008

34. Venezuela Yesterday, Acrylics on Canvas, 2010

35. Venezuela Today, Acrylics on Canvas, 2010

36. Barrack Obama, Acrylics on Canvas, 2009

37. Emiliano Zapata, Acrylics and Oil Pastels on Canvas, 2009

38. Maria Bermudez, Acrylics on Canvas, 2006

39. Wedding Commission, Acrylics on Canvas, 2007

40. Line, Color, and Texture III, Acrylics on Panel, 2010

41. Line, Color, and Texture IV, Acrylics on Canvas, 2010

42. Line, Color, and Texture VII, Acrylics on Canvas, 2010

43. Links:
Foundation for Individual Rights in Education – www.thefire.org
National Coalition Against Censorship - www.ncac.org
American Association of University Professors - www.aaup.org

44. Thank you!