Pornography or art?: Man questions exhibit at El Paso Museum of Art

Pornography or art? A man is concerned about what he said are obscene art displays at the El Paso Museum of Art.

Alberto Rivas visited the “Desert Triangle Print Carpeta” exhibit inside the El Paso Museum of Art.

“Few of those prints feature rather unsavory depictions – despite their artistry – with at least one altogether indecent (if not downright obscene) specimen,” Rivas wrote in a letter to the editor sent to the El Paso Times.

“Desert Triangle Print Carpeta” is an exhibit featured at the Dede Rogers Special Events Gallery.

It showcases prints from print workers from around the Southwest. Artists from El Paso, Albuquerque, and Tucson are featured throughout the exhibit.

Proper Print shop here in El Paso is one of the print shops featured in the exhibit.

Co-owner JJ Childress does not think the art is offensive.

“Every art is meant to provoke something provoke conversation, and the artist are trying to portray that.”

In the letter to the editor, Alberto also wrote about his concern that children will be exposed to these provocative prints during field trips — without their parents to guide them.

A senior curator said the museum at times will give warnings when exhibits or painting may not be suitable for children.

“We’ll first we try to vet all of our exhibitions whether it’s organized in house or touring exhibitions. Sometimes we’ll make a section and warn people that really want to see the aspect of the painting.”

A few of the prints in the exhibit feature woman in provocative poses; some naked.

Museum visitors we spoke with have no problem with the prints.

Overall, Print Shop co-owner, JJ Childress is just glad that the prints are doing their job.

“Art is a way to engage in dialogue. I’m glad that these conversations are happening.”