‘Transformer Gallery Protest 9807’
courtesy of ‘yospyn’

This morning, National Portrait Gallery commissioner James T. Bartlett resigned in protest of the museum’s decision to remove a video from its now controversial “Hide/Seek” exhibit.

The four-minute video, “A Fire in My Belly” by David Wajnarowicz, was initially removed after conservative groups protested a brief clip that showed ants crawling over an image of Jesus. The move immediately sparked condemnations of censorship, and launched a variety of organizational and individual actions. Transformer Gallery installed the video in their storefront, and organized a silent march to the NPG last Thursday. This weekend, two activists were detained after playing the video on an iPad at the entrance of the exhibit. According to DCist, the two men, Mike Blasenstein and Michael Dax Iacovone, are currently seeking out permits to install the video in a pop-up space outside the NPG.

The National Portrait Gallery had no other statement at this time.

Rebecca Gross

Raised in nearby MoCo, Rebecca happily jumped the District line in 2005. When not stuck behind a computer, she can be found exploring the city’s many wonders, usually with her trusty canine sidekick Jasper Jones. Questions, comments, concerns? Email her at RebeccaGross (at) WeLoveDC.com.