An Open Letter Regarding Michael Rosen's Exhibit at FP Edge

[pantryslut]

Dear Femina Potens,

I'm writing you in regards to your upcoming FP Edge show at Mr. S featuring the work of Michael Rosen.

It has come to my attention from multiple sources that Mr. Rosen has a history of inappropriate conduct with solo women he photographs in his studio. It is also my understanding that he has never publicly acknowledged or addressed the concerns of his former models.

Until the day comes that Mr. Rosen does, indeed, engage with the larger sex-positive community about these concerns, I, as a member of that community, am unable to continue to support his work. Indeed, I am compelled to speak out against others supporting his work or extending him our collective community goodwill.

I want to admit, too, that this stance pains me greatly on a personal level; I have been friends with Michael Rosen in the past, and in fact modeled for him myself. I own his books, and his art. He is undeniably a talented and accomplished photographer. I would welcome some form of reconciliation with the community, if possible. But silence will never accomplish this.

I have been silent myself too long on this issue. Please consider this an open letter.

Best,


Lori S.

(ETA: as this is an open letter, please feel free to forward, link, or repost, with credit. Also feel free to use my full last name or my LJ handle, but not both, please. Thanks.)

Comments

[anthrocubsf.livejournal.com]

Should contact Femina Potens, which I'm sure you have.

[pantryslut.livejournal.com]

Yes, I sent it to them first.

[anthrocubsf.livejournal.com]

Thought you would have, but wanted to make sure.

[aquenigmatic.livejournal.com]

**wordless**

[debbieann.livejournal.com]

did you talk to MR directly? I had heard this from one person. I have some mixed feelings, I know that I support other artists that engage in behavior I do not agree with, but of course I support people in making different choices. I guess I have mixed feelings about what seems like public shaming, but I don't have much info about this all around. I read one article by lizard I think, that is all I have ever heard of.

[pantryslut.livejournal.com]

Since Liz first spoke up in 2005, I've heard other stories from other women who have posed for him. And there was something small that happened at the end of his shoot with me that also fits with this pattern, although I dismissed it at the time as just a weird vibe. So at this point, if nothing else, I want to be public enough about this that solo women who are thinking about posing for him can make an informed decision, you know?

[debbieann.livejournal.com]

yeah totally agree that the info should get out to women thinking of posing for him. I guess I would still support his work in some ways, would hang the photo on my wall that he took.Would you want FP to put up some statement?

[pantryslut.livejournal.com]

If we're not going to deny or invalidate anyone's experiences, that includes the good ones too -- so I totally understand keeping the photo on the wall. It's a lovely photo.

I'd like to see some sort of gallery-space statement accompanying future exhibits. I think that would satisfy me, personally. Something acknowledging the concerns and saying that they choose to exhibit the artwork anyway, and why, would be fine.

[sparkymonster.livejournal.com]

Inappropriate behavior with one person is more than enough.

[debbieann.livejournal.com]

more than enough to never go to an art exhibit of their work? or what? It is not the sum total of who they are. I can condemn the act without condemning the person.

[goodbadgirl.livejournal.com]

Wow. Lots of this going around lately.

Given how diplomatic you are I'm sure the back story on this one is interesting at the least.....

[pantryslut.livejournal.com]

I can give you some of the backstory backchannel, if you like.

[goodbadgirl.livejournal.com]

I would, actually.

Also: xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox fluttery smooches to you xoxo

[laurieopal.livejournal.com]

I just wanted to tell you that I was very impressed both with what you said and how clearly you said it. We quoted you when we blogged about this on Body Impolitic on Sunday.