Many readers of Fine Art Connoisseur may have noticed that Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr, YouTube,
EMANUELE DASCANIO (b. 1983), The Nature
and other platforms are increasingly aggressive in removing art they define (all too vaguely) as
of The Universe (De Natura Universi), 2016–19,
“objectionable.” Our collective reliance on the Internet during the COVID-19 pandemic has only
graphite and charcoal on paper, 98.4 x 98.4 in.
exacerbated the problem, which is why a new initiative named Don’t Delete Art! was launched this past May. Given the omnipresence of nude figures in its holdings, it makes sense that the IBEX Collection has joined this partnership with the photographer and installation artist Spencer Tunick (best known for his large-scale nude shoots), the National Coalition against Censorship, Article19, PEN America’s Artists at Risk Connection, International Arts Rights Advisors, and Freemuse. The group argues that Internet platforms should adopt a clear set of principles that would allow legitimate art to circulate freely online. In support of this objective, the website dontdelete.art features a virtual gallery of photography, painting, video, and text recently banned or otherwise restricted, along with informative webinars, exhibitions, and other digital events.
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