Dear editor,

After having read the article about Mr. Giuliani’s reaction concerning Ch. Ofili´s painting I have to announce my opinion. Objectiveness in this matter is very important. The Mayor Rudolph Giuliani shouldn’t mingle his opinion as a private person with his opinion in his capacity as a mayor. Because there should be room for a great variety of different opinions, specifically in a Museum like this. Artists are often ahead in their way of thinking and in their creative urges. Art has to stimulate, excite, strike, change, provoke and shock. I strongly believe that shocking art has a kind of appeal because it is shocking and fascinating at the same time and that makes it special. I think that one should „never shut all the windows. One always has to leave one open, in order to have the chance to get impressions, ideas, statements which will avoid to cement our own opinions.

Yours,
Raphaela