Humanities Scenario:
A state-funded institution has a small budget for art to decorate a well-used meeting room. The room is
utilized by employees and is used for training/teaching purposes. Three pieces of art are requested for
the room that fit specified criteria. An artist is hired and told to create installation pieces designed to
the specific size, shape, and color of the room. This artist is well known for his reference to Renaissance
artworks within his pieces and has a strong reputation within the local art community. He is well
respected for his extensive art background, which includes art showings with the Museum of Modern
Art in New York.
The works are completed and brought to the meeting room. The artist, however, has included an image
of Michelangelo’s David in the third installation of artwork. While it is not the central focus of the work,
it occupies a large enough space that it is important in the piece. It is also easily seen when looking at
the work.
Management approves the first two works, but hesitates on the third because the painting
contains an interpretation of the David which includes frontal male nudity. Though the room
may only be used by adults, it is still accessible to the public. The artist has already been paid
for the work and followed the guidelines set forth by the management in creating a custombuilt installation piece. It is his policy not to alter works once he considers them to be finished.
There is no more money in the budget to pay for a replacement work. Management considers
moving forward and utilizing the work, as the David is a widely recognized icon. One person
suggests using funds intended for another project to hire an artist to alter the print to cover
aspects of male nudity. And, another person thinks that perhaps they should just omit the work
entirely and install only the first two works.
In this scenario, what would you do with the third work? Utilize the following steps in
considering your answer.
1. Communication: Define the problem in your own words.
2. Analysis: Compare & contrast the available solutions within the scenario.
3. Problem Solving: Select one of the available solutions and defend it as your chosen solution.
4. Evaluation: Identify the weaknesses of your chosen solution.
5. Synthesis: Suggest ways to improve/strengthen your chosen solution (may use information
not contained within the scenario).
6. Reflection: Reflect on your own thought process after completing the assignment.
a. “What did you learn from this process?”
b. “What would you do differently next time to improve?”