The work of Robert Mapplethorpe is probably one of the most notable examples. His X Portfolio included photos of gratuitous displays of genitalia, a variety of homoerotic acts, sexual mutilation, and two images of children with their genitals exposed. These works along with Andres Serrano's photograph of a crucifix immersed in urine, Piss Christ, were funded by grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and prompted a huge debate by Senator Jesse Helms over federal funding of the arts. This photograph also offended many members of the Catholic Church as well. All of this controversy led to the Helms Amendment, preventing the use of state funds to promote art work which might offend particular groups. .
The Catholic Church was one of the first authorities to decided what was appropriate to be considered art. Since then, the rules have not been as ridiculously strict but the question of what is considered not appropriate in art remains vague. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder; who should decide what has value, particularly artistic value. No one person can say if art is considered art or even appropriate because everyone has their own opinion about what art might be and many people feel strongly about it since art is so powerful. All art should have the opportunity to be funded or exhibited, however, not all art may get funded or exhibited. If a church would rather buy a mosaic of Jesus Christ .
rather than Serrano's, Piss Christ, then that is the church's decision. It is understandable if an example such as this one chooses not to use the more controversial art but should keep it to their own discretion. Art should never be denied the opportunity to be funded based mainly because of it's content. .
Two artist that have caused much controversy are Sally Mann and Andres Serrano. Mann's controversy has been over images of innocence and nudity while Serrano's has been described as blasphemous.
