Back in 2005, I had the privilege of viewing a retrospective collection of Bill Henson's work in the Art Gallery of NSW. The massive exhibition expanded across 10 rooms and I remember thinking at the time how beautiful and surreal the images seemed. The way he captures the vulnerability and fragility of adolescence on camera, making it appear so transient- like wispy, soft, ghostly smudges across the canvas of youth.

Bill Henson's work is on display again at Roslyn Oxley 9 gallery between 22nd May - 21st June. I'm getting excited!!

Anyone else wanna come? :)

Update:

TRAGIC!!! I just heard on the news that a little over half of Bill Henson's work at the gallery have been removed for publication of indecent article. Apparently a Victorian girl photographed naked in one of his works was only 13 years old at the time. There is now an investigation underway in Melbourne regarding the girl and her parents.

I must admit that there is a question of divided loyalty, being both a law student and ardent art lover. However, I've concluded that despite the 5 years of propounding the Rule of law and despite my genuine view that laws, though harsh at times, are there for a reason and without legal systems, we would exist in chaos, I fail to see the necessity of removing and confiscating these artworks. Bill Henson has absolutely amazing works of art, none of which are done in poor taste or remotely resemble (dare I even utter this) child pornography.

I can't believe charges are being laid not only on Bill Henson but on Roselyn Oxen. As an art curator, I can only imagine her outrage at this. I'm not denying the obvious room for debate here - I mean, a 13 year old girl photographed naked clearly cannot always be legitimised simply in the name of art. But then where do we draw the line? And how far can we push the moral boundaries in which we exist?