Latest Henson furore 'astonishing'
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Controversial artist Bill Henson. (Sunday Arts programme: Sunday Arts)
David Marr, author of a new book about controversial artist Bill Henson, says he was surprised to learn Henson was allowed on to school grounds to search for child models.
At the weekend it was revealed a Melbourne primary school principal allowed Henson to search for suitable child models during lunchtime.
But Marr says sporting groups and casting agents for television networks also talent spot in this way.
In May this year, police shut down an exhibition of Henson's after complaints about images of a 12-year-old girl.
No charges were laid
Marr says he is astonished the row over Henson's work has blown up again.
"I don't see what the problem is ... so long as the protocols were followed, and so long as [it's] the parents who decide," Marr said.
"Now all of us might say the parents [of the child models] made the wrong decision. A lot of the Henson furore has been about the community really saying, 'I would not have allowed my children to pose for Bill Henson', which is absolutely fine."
Marr admits he's disturbed by some of Henson's work, particularly his photographs of nude children.
"I find some of them creepy, but I'm not going to call in the cops because I don't like these photographs," he said.
"That's the impulse of a lot of Australians and the impulse that I'm addressing. [I'm] asking the question, 'Why do you want to punish someone because they produce photos you don't like?'"
Investigation
Meanwhile, the Victorian Government is investigating the circumstances in which Henson was allowed into the Melbourne primary school.
According to the Government, parents usually need to give their consent before talent scouts can use schools to search for child models.
Victoria's Education Minister Bronwyn Pike says the Government is investigating whether the primary school principal did the right thing.
"You do need to make sure that the appropriate steps are taken to protect our children," she said.
"I think in this case - if these reports are accurate - then there's been a breach of protocol and certainly a serious error in judgement."
Ms Pike says an independent person will coordinate the investigation.
"The Department has already commenced the investigation and they will be seeking an independent person to oversee it as it continues," she said.
"We don't have a name at this stage, but I can certainly assure people that we have very thorough investigative processes in place."
