Cambridge Viewpoint: Robert Mapplethorpe & Confiscation of Guns of Gun Collector

Unknown artist

Interviews with people in Harvard Square about the controversy surrounding the Robert Mapplethorpe “Perfect Moment” exhibit at the ICA. Most feel that the government should not censor NEA-granted artwork or that the controversy is overblown. One person suggests showing the more adult-themed pictures in a separate area. Another person suggests creating a rating system for art that would prevent its being viewed by those under a certain age. Interviews with people in Harvard Square about the police’s confiscation of large numbers of guns from Henry Stram’s apartment. Many people feel that the confiscation was justified because of one or more factors: the large number of weapons, the power of some of the weapons, and the unsafe condition of the apartment.