Staff members at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth this week removed four art exhibits from its walls after Republican officials raised concerns about possible child pornography.
The removed images were part of the "Diaries of Home" exhibition, specifically those made by Virginia-born photographer Sally Mann. She had 21 pieces included in the exhibition, a number of which featured naked children.
In one photo, her daughter was naked and jumping onto a picnic table. Another image showed popsicle drips running down her son's torso and genitals, according to Fort Worth Report (FWR).
The museum noted that the portraits have been on display for over 30 years "in leading cultural institutions" worldwide. It is also noted that there is a label inside the museum warning viewers of "mature themes."
What Led to the Removal of the Portraits?
The images were removed after the conservative website The Dallas Express questioned whether the Modern Art Museum violated pornography laws for displaying artwork featuring naked children.
The publication also said that elected officials have called for a criminal investigation for potential violations. The report cited comments from Tarrant County Judge Tim O'Hare, Tarrant County Republican Party Chairman Bo French, and House District 91 State Representative-elect David Lowe.
"There are images on display at this museum that are grossly inappropriate at best. They should be taken down immediately and investigated by law enforcement for any and all potential criminal violations. Children must be protected, and decency must prevail," O'Hare told the publication.
Mann has previously said her children have consented to their photos being taken, adding that she had involved her kids in the process of choosing which of their photos to include in the exhibits.
Other Museums Faced Controversy
The removal of the images at the Modern Art Museum comes after a separate exhibition featured at the Amon Carter Museum of American Art was temporarily shut down. The exhibition aimed to "disrupt" the ideals of a cowboy as just being a White, cisgender American. One of the photos featured in that album showed two cowboys kissing.
