Sensation: The Madonna, the Mayor, the Media and the First Amendment

This book chronicles the explosive events surrounding a controversial art exhibition, revealing the intense conflict between art, politics, and media. Sensation captures a pivotal moment in art history.

In Sensation: The Madonna, the Mayor, the Media and the First Amendment, Arnold Lehman recounts the tumultuous events surrounding the 1999 exhibition at the Brooklyn Museum. This exhibition, featuring controversial works from the Saatchi Collection, particularly Chris Ofili's painting The Holy Virgin Mary, ignited a firestorm of debate and protest. The backlash was intense, with threats of violence and a fierce campaign led by then-Mayor Rudy Giuliani, who sought to close the exhibition and rescind city funding. Lehman provides a detailed account of the challenges faced by the museum staff, highlighting the sleepless nights and anxiety that permeated the institution during this trying period.

The book delves into the broader implications of the controversy, exploring themes of artistic freedom, censorship, and the role of the media in shaping public perception. As Lehman reflects on the events, he reveals how the exhibition became a flashpoint for discussions about the First Amendment and the boundaries of artistic expression. With millions of people hearing about the exhibition through headlines and news reports, the narrative unfolds like a gripping thriller, filled with unexpected twists and turns.

Ultimately, Sensation: The Madonna, the Mayor, the Media and the First Amendment serves as both a memoir and a critical examination of a pivotal moment in art history. Lehman's insights illuminate the complexities of navigating art in a politically charged environment, making this book an essential read for anyone interested in the intersection of art, politics, and society.