Madonna, the Mayor and the First Amendment

The Sensation exhibition at the Brooklyn Museum sparked controversy when Mayor Rudy Giuliani opposed a painting of a black Madonna with elephant dung. The museum faced legal battles over funding and free speech, ultimately winning in court. Despite the controversy, the exhibition attracted significant public interest and attendance, highlighting the provocative nature of contemporary art. The exhibition's legacy endures, with some artworks now housed in major art institutions.

What was the main reason for the controversy surrounding the Sensation exhibition at the Brooklyn Museum?

• The lack of public interest

• The exhibition's focus on American artists

• The use of traditional art techniques

• The inclusion of a controversial painting of a black Madonna

Who was the mayor of New York City during the Sensation exhibition controversy?

• Michael Bloomberg

• Bill de Blasio

• Rudy Giuliani

• David Dinkins

What action did Mayor Giuliani threaten to take against the Brooklyn Museum?

• Promote the exhibition

• Cut off public funding and evict the museum

• Relocate the museum

• Increase its funding

What was the legal basis for the museum's lawsuit against the city?

• Defamation

• Violation of the First Amendment

• Breach of contract

• Property damage

How did the controversy affect the museum's attendance?

• Attendance increased significantly

• Attendance increased slightly

• Attendance remained the same

• Attendance decreased significantly

What happened to the controversial artwork by Chris Ofili after the exhibition?

• It became part of the Museum of Modern Art's collection

• It was returned to the artist

• It was sold to a private collector

• It was destroyed

What challenges did the museum staff face during the controversy?

• Media praise

• Death threats and attacks

• Public support

• Increased funding