In Defense of John Duncan

[anechoic <kim@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Ms. Arrhenius,
I seriously question the decision taken by the board of directors at
IASPIS, concerning the abrupt termination of the Stockholm visit of the
internationally acclaimed artist John Duncan.

The reason given for the termination is that IASPIS suddenly became aware
of "Blind Date", an artwork performed by Duncan more than 20 years ago.
"Blind Date" were performed during a time when the artist were researching
the extremes of human behaivior, social taboos and the very limits of his
expressions, especially in the areas of death and sexuality. Duncan has, to
my knowledge, in no way hidden his history of extreme experimentation, to
IASPIS or anyone else.  Over the years he has openly discussed his works in
lectures, as well as in interviews in a variety of respected European,
Japanese and US publications.

I think it's unacceptable to judge Duncan for activities performed 20 years
ago, which have no relation whatsoever to the activities that he is
currently pursuing in Stockholm.  I find it an embarrassment to the
Stockholm art community that IASPIS has chosen to arbitrarily disregard
their contract after it has been agreed upon by both parties, in fact
several months after Duncan has been working there.  Their actions also
raise serious doubts about the treatment that all present and future
invited artists can expect from the IASPIS program.

I ask the IASPIS board of directors to please reconsider their decision in
a mature and serious manner and grant him the full stipend that IASPIS is
legally obligated to pay and to let him finish the work he was invited to
do.

Sincerely,
Kim Cascone

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