Here is Brugueras's Manifesto of Artists' Rights


I strongly agree with a lot of what she says in the Manifesto. The problem is, I also wonder if these rights should be different (and if so, Why?) from that of any other member of society.

"artists should not be put in jail for proposing an “other” reality"

Does this sanction the jailing of 'non-artist' for such propositions?

"Artists have the right to create the work they want to create, with no limits; they have the duty to be responsible without self-censure"

I imagine she would not object to artists also the right to fail just like any other human being. How then can we overcome the problems that arises for our own (not unusual) lack of self criticism? Shall we really adjudicate such right to artists alone?

There are many moments like these in the text. And I understand very well her reasons and where she is coming from (after all I share some of her life and artistic experiences) but is there are many dangers in such position. It is not hard to find some in the artworld who actually seem to enjoy such rights and the results seem to work towards those in power who, through the 'respect' for those rights turn artists into their private consented clowns, and foster the profound alienation between those practices and the rest of society.