My 2 Cents: Smithsonian Art Exhibit Not To My Taste

The federal government, through the Smithsonian Institute, is giving us the gift of art this holiday season. Didn't suit my palate, but hey, if you're in Washington over the Christmas holidays perhaps you and the kids would enjoy the new exhibit.

Tuesday, November 30th 2010, 11:21 pm

By: News 9


Kelly Ogle, News 9

The federal government, through the Smithsonian Institute, is giving us the gift of art this holiday season.

Didn't suit my palate, but hey, if you're in Washington over the Christmas holidays perhaps you and the kids would enjoy the new exhibit called "Hide/Seek: Difference and Desire in American Portraiture."

You'll find this essentially gay art exhibit at the National Portrait Gallery.

One of the pieces is a video including a crucified Jesus with ants crawling on him, that's supposed to represent the horror of AIDS. And they say it was not intended to be sacrilegious.

However, just Tuesday afternoon, the Smithsonian removed the video, after pressure from Republican Congress members.

But there are other works, one showing Ellen Degeneres grabbing her breasts and another of two naked brothers kissing images of male genitals.

Christmasy huh? Norman Rockwell is just so passé.

They will argue this exhibit is funded through private donations. That's fine. Then put it in a private museum, not one paid for with my tax dollars.

In case you're wondering, the Smithsonian Portrait Gallery has an $8 million budget, and 3/4 of that comes from us taxpayers.

Leave Kelly Your 2 Cents, tell us where you're from, and he could read your comments on air.

logo

Get The Daily Update!

Be among the first to get breaking news, weather, and general news updates from News 9 delivered right to your inbox!

More Like This

November 30th, 2010

March 22nd, 2024

March 14th, 2024

February 9th, 2024

Top Headlines

March 29th, 2024

March 29th, 2024

March 29th, 2024

March 29th, 2024