Censored art exhibit opens in Tacoma

BY Josh Kerns  on March 20, 2012 @ 10:37 am (Updated: 8:23 am - 3/22/12 )

cedargrove
Janet Flanner by iconic photographer Bernice Abbott is among the works in a new exhibition censored in part by the Smithsonian now on display at the Tacoma Art Museum. (Image: Tacoma Art Museum)

A controversial gay art exhibition censored by the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery is getting a warm welcome at the Tacoma Art Museum, where the series of portraits is making its lone West Coast appearance.

"HIDE/SEEK: Difference and Desire in American Portraiture" is an examination of American gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender subject matter spanning 150 years, according to Rock Hushka, Tacoma Art Museum curator.

"The exhibition itself traces the evolution of American art, but also records the social changes almost decade by decade," Hushka said.

The exhibition is considered one of the finest collections of American portraiture ever assembled, featuring work by celebrated masters including Thomas Eakins, John Singer Sargent, Georgia O'Keeffe, and Andy Warhol.

It was a film about the AIDS epidemic, however, that included an 11 second shot of a crucifix that sparked a massive outcry from conservative groups, who protested the exhibition and demanded its closing. The Smithsonian ultimately removed the film from the exhibition, drawing sharp criticism from a number of fronts.

"We see the museum as a space where we can have safe and respectful dialogues about these really complicated issues," Hushka said of the exhibition, which moved to Tacoma after a record setting run at the prestigious Brooklyn Museum.

The Tacoma Art Museum plans a series of lectures and discussions during the run to help foster a greater understanding about both the exhibition and controversial issues in art in general.

Despite the controversy, Hushka said the museum is proud to present the exhibition in its entirety both as an artistic statement and in strong support of individual liberties for all.

"It's important to present various communities and we will continue to do so, and we want all of the people of the Tacoma area to see themselves on the walls of our galleries."

"HIDE/SEEK: Difference and Desire in American Portraiture" runs through June 10 at the Tacoma Art Museum.

Josh Kerns, MyNorthwest.com Reporter
Josh Kerns is co-host of KIRO Radio's Seattle Sounds (Saturday nights 7-8) and a digital content producer for MyNorthwest.com.
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Comments (6)


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  • Christopher Nyland wrote...
    Art?
    March 21, 2012 7:12 am
    As long as the TAM is showing perverted material like this they are not getting my vote for any money.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • tim the sailor wrote...
    @Christopher Nyland
    March 21, 2012 8:16 am
    So you HAVE seen it.....
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Denco25 wrote...
    Art?
    March 21, 2012 9:33 am
    I've attended several showings at the TAM, but now I am done with them. I just can't support them with further admissions after an exhibit like theis. by the way, I saw some photos of the exhibit in the paper. A man, almost expressionaless, standing in his underwear facing the camera? Art? I think not.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • R L M 456 wrote...
    My Tax dollar at work
    March 21, 2012 11:49 am
    makes me proud to be from Washington
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • seatacmom wrote...
    I cant wait to go see this!
    March 21, 2012 12:17 pm
    I'm not sure why you folks seem so upset by this exhibit.... Is it because it about the LGBT community? Should they not be represented in the art community because of their sexuality? Is that why you seem upset that tax dollars have gone to have this exhibit brought here? Or is it about the tiny segment of film with a crucifix that was quoted in the article? Geesh... Art is in the eye of the beholder and artist.... Every walk of life can express art. Just because the subject is about something you may disagree with, that does not make it any less worthwhile an exhibit. And no I'm not LGBT, but I do support people who chose to love who their heart points them towards.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • tim the sailor wrote...
    ART!!!
    March 21, 2012 1:06 pm
    I just left some art in a white porcelain container in an all male room down the hall.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }