Amid controversy, UK’s Tate Modern temporarily shuts exhibition
London’s Tate Modern gallery as seen from across the Thames. Photo by Hans Peter Schaefer.
LONDON (AP) – Britain’s Tate Modern has temporarily closed an exhibition that includes a nude image of a 10-year-old Brooke Shields, following a visit from a London police unit that deals with obscene publications.
The Tate said in a statement Thursday that it has temporarily shut the room housing “Spiritual America” by artist Richard Prince. Sale of the catalogue accompanying the exhibition is also on hold.
Ruth Findlay, a spokeswoman for the museum, says the Tate is in discussions with the police.
The police issued a statement saying that they met with staff at the Tate on Wednesday, the day before the exhibition was to open to the public.
The police say they are eager to work with gallery management to ensure they do not cause any offense to their visitors.
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AP-ES-10-01-09 0933EDT
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