Controversial photographer Bill Henson ran into trouble on May 23 when NSW police seized 20 of 41 photographs of adolescent girls at an exhibition in Sydney. They wanted to launch criminal proceedings against him under the Child Protection Act.
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said he found the pictures 'revolting' and added that they have no artistic merit. His deputy Julia Gillard also defended him.
Later a couple of other galleries, which were displaying Henson's photographs, quitely removed them following visits by police.
The enraged art community described this as a "dark day in Australian culture". Some of the former models of Henson too came to his defence.
Zahava Elenberg, who had posed for a series photographs taken by Henson 20 years ago, said she has "absolutely no regrets" of working with him. Even her parents seem quite supportive of her.
Later prominent Australians from the 2020 Summit, including actress Cate Blanchett, have come out in solidarity with photographer Bill Henson. "The potential prosecution of one of our most respected artists is no way to build a Creative Australia, and does untold damage to our cultural reputation."
We bring you a complete coverage of the controversy.
- Henson photo not porn: Classification Board
- Model's mother defends Henson
- Now Henson net cast over the web
- Henson refuses to name model
- National Gallery quizzed
- Artists, politicians debate nude teen photos
- Turnbull condemns raids
- Submission of charges would take weeks: Police
- Henson 2020 backlash
- Not porn: Elenberg
- Henson wins one, loses two
- Artist backs works
- Henson finds support over photos
- Charges likely over photos: Police
- Henson show charges
