1993: Student Exhibition Causes Controversy

Gallery Lounge ExhibitIn October of 1993, humanities graduate student James Bostick’s photographic art exhibit entitled “Postmodern Metamorphoses” was on display in the Gallery Lounge of the Olmsted Building.  The exhibit featured photographs of nude male models, and some students and administrators were uncomfortable with the display, causing Bostick’s work to be subject to much criticism and attempted censorship.  The exhibit remained, but events that were originally to be held in the Gallery Lounge were relocated to other spaces on campus, and warning labels were placed on the outside.  The controversy led to a symposium being held on campus in which a panel of art experts and humanities faculty discussed male nudity in art.

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