art - social dysfunction celebrated as ritual: Hell

Friday, June 16, 2006

FOR THE ATTENTION OF: Dan Norris MP Wansdyke Friday 16 June 2006

Dear Dan Norris, You may be aware of the case of the artist Michael Dickinson who is facing prosecution in Turkey for allegedly 'insulting the dignity of the Prime Minister' Tayyip Erdogan through the medium of his art. He is threatened with a maximum prison term of three years for what is nothing more than political criticism in a pictorial collage. Turkey, as you are well aware, is applying for membership of the European Union and behaviour of this sort is totally in violation of the democratic nature of this organisation. Can you assure me that you will address this issue seriously and condemn this gross violation of human rights and freedom of artistic expression. Yours sincerely, Guy Denning painter

Dan Norris said...: Dear Mr. Denning,

Come on now, Guy, you can't just go around insulting willy-nilly the dignity of these proud Turk wallahs. Good heavens, man, you know what they're like. Respeck and all that, innit?

No, no, I'm sorry, if Mr. Dickinson wants to violate the laws of the great Turkey nation, then he must be prepared to bend over and accept the consequences like a man.

By the way, we're having a bit of a get-together at home on the 24th. Please join us. I recall you rather enjoyed last month's cocktail party.

Your good friend,

Dan Norris MP; 11:36 AM

art - social dysfunction celebrated as ritual