Trends from the 1980’s have made a resurgence in the last few years, nearly all of which have been unfortunate: tight jeans, legwarmers, huge sunglasses, neon colors, cocaine, and now, censorship of art.

According to “U.S. Representative John Boehner Is Now a Curator,” the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery needs a backbone replacement, evidenced in its recent removal of A Fire in My Belly, a piece of video art by David Wojnarowicz. In response to this utter nonsense, Real Art Ways is currently showing the work in its gallery.

“The Smithsonian has given in to anti-gay bullies,” says Real Art Ways director Will K. Wilkins. “We are presenting this video to enable people to make up their own minds about the work, and about the incident. David Wojnarowicz can’t be here to speak up for himself, but his work has a power, rage and sorrow that is soulful and unforgettable. We are proud to again present his art.”

Real Art Ways is located at 56 Arbor Street in Hartford. The gallery hours are Tuesday through Thursday and Sunday, 2-10 PM; Friday and Saturday 2 PM-11 PM. They are closed on Mondays. Admission to the gallery is free, but donations are accepted.

