One Year

1990: Art on Trial

Dec 14, 2023

This podcast delves into the controversy surrounding photographer Robert Mapplethorpe's exhibition in 1990, examining the debate over obscenity and the First Amendment. It explores the evolution of Mapplethorpe's style, the consequences faced by the exhibition, and the chaotic aftermath of a police raid. The podcast also discusses the diversity of the crowd that came to see the exhibition and touches on other intriguing topics such as capturing innocent moments and a controversial dentist in Florida.

58:14

AI Summary

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

The legal battle over Robert Mapplethorpe's exhibition in Cincinnati sparked a national debate on censorship, artistic freedom, and community values.

Museums and galleries in Cincinnati became more cautious about displaying controversial art due to fear of legal repercussions and public backlash, stifling creative expression and limiting artistic freedom in the city.

The Mapplethorpe trial raised critical questions about the limits of artistic expression, obscenity laws, and the First Amendment rights of artists, highlighting the importance of protecting artistic freedom and the potential dangers of censorship and self-censorship.

Deep dives

Controversial exhibition featuring Robert Mapplethorpe's photographs causes a legal battle in Cincinnati

The Contemporary Arts Center in Cincinnati hosts an exhibition featuring photographs by Robert Mapplethorpe, including images of nudity, children, and sadomasochism. The exhibition becomes the center of a legal controversy, with the museum and its director facing obscenity charges. Supporters argue that the photographs have artistic value, while opponents claim they are indecent and immoral. The trial ends with a jury finding the defendants not guilty, in a case that sparks a national debate on censorship, artistic freedom, and community values.

Introduction

4min

Controversy and Evolution: Art on Trial

3min

Controversy and Consequences

10min

Controversy Surrounding an Art Exhibition

7min

Controversy and Indictments

10min

Chaos at the Contemporary Arts Center and the Beginning of a Culture War

5min

The Aftermath and Diverse Crowd

15min

Capturing Sweet Moments and the HIV Controversy

3min

Robert Mapplethorpe was one of the most famous photographers in the world—and one of the most controversial. When his work came to Cincinnati in 1990, it would be at the center of a vicious fight over obscenity and the First Amendment, one that threatened the future of art in America.

This episode of One Year was written by Evan Chung, One Year's senior producer. It was produced by Kelly Jones and Evan Chung, with additional production by Olivia Briley.

It was edited by Josh Levin, One Year’s editorial director, with Joel Meyer and Derek John, Slate’s executive producer of narrative podcasts. Merritt Jacob is our senior technical director.

Join Slate Plus to get a special behind-the-scenes conversation at the end of our season about how we put together our 1990 stories. Slate Plus members also get to listen to all Slate podcasts without any ads.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts

Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.

One Year

1990: Art on Trial

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Controversial exhibition featuring Robert Mapplethorpe's photographs causes a legal battle in Cincinnati

Mapplethorpe's artistic style and changing legacy

The impact on Cincinnati's art scene

Jesse McBride's experience as a subject of Mapplethorpe's photograph

Impact on the First Amendment and artistic expression

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts