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Artist: Teresa and Jean Campbell Confronting Bodies: Library Officials, Birmingham Public Library Date of Action: 1991 Specific Location: Birmingham Public Library, Alabama Description of Artwork: Six drawing collectively titled Momart were removed from an exhibit at the Birmingham Public Library by library officials who deemed the works' portrayal of nudity "not appropriate." The drawings by Teresa and Jean Campbell, show a mother breast-feeding her baby and are described by the artists as a celebration of motherhood. Description of Incident: They were shown at the exhibit's invitation-only opening and then removed on the orders of library officials who said that the image of breast-feeding was "not appropriate for this public library setting" and expressed concern that the works might be vandalized. News reports of the incident touched off a large number of phone calls to the library demanding that the challenged pieces be returned, prompting library officials to reverse the ban. One administrator said "if the public wants to view them and there's that much interest, we ought to let them view them." Results of Incident: Work removed, then restored after public outcry. Source: People for the American Way |
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