A national Christian organization has published an open letter to the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, expressing concern over an exhibit that features photographs of naked children.
The exhibit, titled Diaries of Home, depicts children in “disturbing, exploitive, and inappropriate ways,” according to the Danbury Institute, an organization whose mission includes “influencing culture and public policy” and “promoting Judeo-Christian values as the proper foundation for a free and prosperous republic.”
“These images [in the exhibit] are presented under the guise of art, but in reality, they sexualize children and exploit their innocence. This exhibit should be called what it is: child pornography,” the letter states.
“A museum plaque shockingly describes the collection as showcasing ‘children naked, moody, and in suggestive situations’ to ‘evoke an edgy, dark side of childhood.’ This characterization is morally unacceptable, and the exhibit as a whole effectively works to normalize pedophilia, child sexual abuse, the LGBTQ lifestyle, and the breakdown of the God-ordained definition of family,” the letter said.
“Children cannot consent to such photography, and displaying these images publicly only perpetuates their exploitation. Such actions degrade the values of our community, endanger the
innocence of childhood, and contribute to a dangerous cultural shift,” the letter continued.
The institute is demanding that the museum remove the images.
“We call upon the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth to take immediate action by removing these disturbing images from public display. The protection of children and the moral fabric of
our society demand it,” the letter said.
As previously reported by The Dallas Express, the museum has received backlash from the community, with local elected officials calling for a criminal investigation.
“There are images on display at this museum that are grossly inappropriate at best. They should be taken down immediately and investigated by law enforcement for any and all potential criminal violations. Children must be protected, and decency must prevail,” Tarrant County Judge Tim O’Hare told The Dallas Express.
The Dallas Express contacted the Modern Art Museum’s manager of strategic marketing and visitor services, Dustin Van Orne, and director of communications, Kendal Smith Lake, for comment. However, DX did not receive a response.