Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, April 5, 1990 TAG: 9004060788
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL PAGE: A-6 EDITION: EVENING
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: CINCINNATI LENGTH: Medium
The Contemporary Arts Center is awaiting a court hearing Friday on the artistic merit of the photos by the late Robert Mapplethorpe, whose work last year led Congress to restrict arts funding.
The private museum's supporters at the rally Wednesday carried signs declaring the city "Censornati." Museum curator Jack Sawyer wore a "Censorship is Obscene" T-shirt over his suit.
Police Chief Larry Whalen, claiming nine of the 175 photographs in the show are obscene, said authorities haven't decided whether to file charges against the center when the exhibit opens Friday. It is scheduled to run for six weeks.
Opponents of the show, including an anti-pornography group, said the Arts Center would affront Cincinnati's moral standards by exhibiting the photos, which include some graphic depictions of homosexuality and sadomasochism, as well as nude children.
After Whalen and Sheriff Simon Leis Jr. threatened to close the show, the Arts Center sued to get a jury verdict on whether the exhibition violates community standards.
On Wednesday, the center's lawyers asked for a judgment without trial. They said the entire exhibit was constitutionally protected because it is legitimate art that already has been shown in Philadelphia, Washington and other cities.
The Mapplethorpe pictures led Congress last year to limit federal support for the arts after Sen. Jesse Helms, R-N.C., labeled them obscene. Mapplethorpe died of AIDS a year ago.
by CNB