RICHMOND -
Richmond artist Hamilton Glass has something to say about the freedom of expression.
He's using the medium of spray-paint and the back wall of a Fan business to do it.
"It is someone wanting to silence an artist, instead of doing what art is intended to do," observed Glass, "which is to find out what is wrong, or find out the intent [of the work] before you judge it."
Glass is referring to a mural he put up last month, entitled "Recession '09," which depicts a man in a business suit and tie holding a gun to his head.
The former Philadelphia native meant for the mural to represent the frustration and political wrangling associated with our country's economic downturn.
But the owners of a nearby bed and breakfast found the piece too violent and demanded it be removed.
Glass obliged, but is currently crafting a newer rendition in its place.
"This [version] is the intent of the original piece," said Glass. "And that is for an artist to get up and express himself."
The second work again depicts a man as the subject, this time with two strips of tape crisscrossed over his mouth.
Adam Bell, the owner of ALB Tech and the person who commissioned both works, believes the process has fostered an important conversation regarding censorship and free speech.
"Who is the judge of appropriateness in public art," asked Bell. "There is no guideline for what is appropriate, and what isn't."
Fan area residents observing Glass paint sympathized with the artist and championed the idea of self-expression.
"I'm kind of shocked that he had to change it," gushed VCU student Angela Palmisano.
Friend Catie Powell then quipped, "it's [supported by] the constitution, and I'm pretty sure free speech extends to art on buildings."
The owners of Miller Bed and Breakfast turned down a request for an interview, and told CBS 6 they no longer wanted to participate in the "melodrama."
Glass has not yet released the title of his latest work. He expects to complete the mural within the next few days.
He's using the medium of spray-paint and the back wall of a Fan business to do it.
"It is someone wanting to silence an artist, instead of doing what art is intended to do," observed Glass, "which is to find out what is wrong, or find out the intent [of the work] before you judge it."
Glass is referring to a mural he put up last month, entitled "Recession '09," which depicts a man in a business suit and tie holding a gun to his head.
The former Philadelphia native meant for the mural to represent the frustration and political wrangling associated with our country's economic downturn.
But the owners of a nearby bed and breakfast found the piece too violent and demanded it be removed.
Glass obliged, but is currently crafting a newer rendition in its place.
"This [version] is the intent of the original piece," said Glass. "And that is for an artist to get up and express himself."
The second work again depicts a man as the subject, this time with two strips of tape crisscrossed over his mouth.
Adam Bell, the owner of ALB Tech and the person who commissioned both works, believes the process has fostered an important conversation regarding censorship and free speech.
"Who is the judge of appropriateness in public art," asked Bell. "There is no guideline for what is appropriate, and what isn't."
Fan area residents observing Glass paint sympathized with the artist and championed the idea of self-expression.
"I'm kind of shocked that he had to change it," gushed VCU student Angela Palmisano.
Friend Catie Powell then quipped, "it's [supported by] the constitution, and I'm pretty sure free speech extends to art on buildings."
The owners of Miller Bed and Breakfast turned down a request for an interview, and told CBS 6 they no longer wanted to participate in the "melodrama."
Glass has not yet released the title of his latest work. He expects to complete the mural within the next few days.
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