In the controversy over colorization, philosophers appeal to (1)
freedom of expression of artists, (2) moral rights of artists
to control the disposition of their work, and (3) an "obligation"
to elevate the quality of aesthetic experience of the population.
These reasons are inadequate to support the moral acceptability/unacceptability
of colorization or other modifications of works in any artform.
The acceptability of such modifications should be assessed in
terms of (1) the continuing dialogue within a particular artform
for how best to promote its potential; (2) the usefulness of the
work as evidence of the artistic skill of the artist.
This page maintained by Julie Van Camp
Your questions and comments are welcome: jvancamp@csulb.edu
Last updated: July 3, 1997