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• How to go about incorporating adult material in art

What do curse words, violence and orgies have in common? They can all be found onstage at the Jerry Springer Show and in Faye Driscoll’s newest piece of modern dance choreography, “There Is So Much Mad in Me.”

It has become increasingly common for artists of all genres to present material that is both shocking and graphic, material appropriate for mature eyes only. Yet in many cases, even mature audiences find themselves significantly disturbed and uncomfortable by the presence of such themes in performance.

The situation begs the question: why are mature themes celebrated in some artistic endeavors and shunned in others? After viewing an array of live performances in various genres, I offer you my thoughts.

First and foremost, quantity control is key. In a society plagued by overindulgence, it is easy to think that excessive repetition or diversity of adult themes will make one’s work more artistically mature. But much like overseasoning a casserole, adding too much of a powerful element tends to ruin the overall product.

In contrast, a strong audience response can be garnered by a few, well-placed curse words or by an unexpected moment of intimacy, for example. In performance art, as in literature, it is important to counteract climactic events with periods of dénouement. The charged material will resonate longer with viewers because it will have sprung from a place of counterbalance within the work.

It is also important for an artist to know his or her audience when making work. How a piece of performance art is received is largely dependent on the moral values and the cultural backgrounds of its viewers. For example, a simple gesture in one context may largely offend in another.

Reactions produced in an audience may span largely between positive and negative, physical and emotional, but it is important for the artist to be aware of all possible outcomes. Only when an artist is fully aware of a piece’s cultural and affective implications can he or she make informed decisions about its creative progression. Should an unexpected offensive quality permeate an artist’s work, he or she would do best to harness it or to refine his or her intentions.

It is important for artists to realize that American society is quick both to censor and to evaluate the appropriateness of any and all art. In the face of such opposition, a little discretion and awareness could be the difference between becoming a smashing success and having one’s dreams smashed.

The real question is not how an artist will present controversial themes, but rather how far he or she will go to support them.