A half-dozen parents have written letters of complaint to the San Diego Public Library about several paintings on display in the exhibit space of the Pacific Beach branch, prompting the library commission to review the appropriateness of the artworks. The 26-painting show by Nathaniel Clark includes images of naked women, some of whom are being eyed by frail-looking elderly men.
On display since November 2, the exhibit came under fire in early December when the first complainant, Lety Salom, saw it after having booked the space for a children’s music recital. Ironically, the concert was held elsewhere since staff had mistakenly promised the space for a Friday night, when the building is closed.
Emphasizing that no paintings have been removed, SDPL Director Anna Tatar told American Libraries that a subcommittee formed by the commission will consider Salom’s suggestions, among which was that future shows be curated by a selection committee.
The gallery was the focus of an article in the June/July 1999 issue of American Libraries.
Posted December 13, 1999.