States of Grace
Artist: Graham Ovenden
Year: 2013
Date of Action: April, 2013
Region: Europe
Location: Great Britain
Medium: Painting
Confronting Bodies: Truro Crown Court and The Tate
Description of Artwork: States of Grace depicts nude and semi-nude photographic portraits of young girls.
The Incident: Graham Ovenden's art has been investigated as possible child pornography by US and UK authorities on a number of occasions but has received continued support from leading figures in the art world throughout the investigations.
In April 2013, Ovenden was found guilty of six charges of indecency with a child and one charge of indecent assault against a child. Following his conviction, the Tate gallery removed images of his work from its online gallery, and also removed access to his work in its galleries.
Results of Incident: While some of the figures who have supported Ovenden continue to affirm the legitimacy of his art, the Tate has not reversed its action.
Source:
• http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cornwall-22026730
