Sally Mann photographs returned after Texas police seizure from Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth
In Fort Worth, Texas, authorities took possession of photographs by Sally Mann from the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth as they investigated a complaint. On December 26, Tarrant County Judge Tim O'Hare announced a criminal inquiry in the Dallas Express, with community members likening nude child portraits from pieces such as The Perfect Tomato (1990) and Popsicle Drips (1985) to criminal behavior. The group exhibition Diaries of Home debuted on November 17, 2024. Three civil liberties groups urged the police chief to cease the 'unconstitutional seizure.' On April 28, officials confirmed the photographs were returned. The exhibition is set to run until February 2, 2025, although Mann's works were temporarily concealed during the investigation.
Key facts
- Fort Worth police seized Sally Mann photographs as potential evidence
- Complaint filed by Tarrant County Judge Tim O'Hare on 26 December 2024
- Works include The Perfect Tomato (1990) and Popsicle Drips (1985)
- Photographs feature nude portraits of children
- Exhibition Diaries of Home opened 17 November 2024 at Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth
- Three civil liberty organizations sent joint letter in February 2025
- Photographs returned to museum on 28 April 2025
- Exhibition runs through 2 February 2025
Entities
Artists
- Sally Mann
Institutions
- Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth
- Artists at Risk Coalition
- American Civil Liberties Union
- Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression
- National Coalition Against Censorship
- Time magazine
- Artnet News
- Dallas Express
Locations
- Fort Worth
- Texas
- United States
- Lexington
- Virginia