# Controversial Exhibit Cancellations 'Aesthetics of Terror' Axed By Cecilia Biemann | Published 2008-09-28 | Social Good Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/art-vs-politics-aesthetics-of-terror-exhibition-cancelled References: [artfagcity](http://www.artfagcity.com/2008/09/25/breaking-the-aesthetics-of-terror-at-the-chelsea-art-museum-cancelled/) & [artfagcity](http://www.artfagcity.com/2008/09/26/chelsea-art-museum-president-dorothea-keeser-and-curator-manom-slome-respond/) In a shock announcement, [The Aesthetics of Terror exhibition](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/art-in-motion-exhibition) has been canceled. It was scheduled for launch this November at the Chelsea Art Museum and was an exhibit around two years in the making. Artists were informed that museum president Dorothea Keeser felt that the show "glorified terrorism and showed disrespect for its victims." In an [act of protest](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/banned-books-jail) to the decision, [the museum's chief curator](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kennedy-yanko), Manon Slome, has resigned. This cancellation begs the question - If art cannot deal with these subjects, then who will? ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 0.9/10 - Popularity: 9% | Activity: 9% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Social Good](https://www.trendhunter.com/socialgood) > [Activism](https://www.trendhunter.com/activism) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Controversial Art Exhibits:** Opportunities for artists to explore sensitive and provocative themes that challenge societal norms and provoke dialogue. - **The Role of Art in Addressing Sensitive Topics:** Innovative approaches that navigate the delicate balance between artistic expression and the potential for offense or controversy. - **Artistic Freedom and Censorship:** Emerging discussions and initiatives to protect artists' freedom of expression while considering societal concerns and sensitivities. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Art and Culture:** Opportunities for museums, galleries, and artists to embrace controversial subjects as a means to push boundaries and engage audiences in meaningful conversations. - **Curatorial Practices:** Innovation in curation methods to navigate the sensitivities surrounding controversial art exhibits and support artists in addressing challenging topics. - **Arts Advocacy and Policy:** Potential for organizations and institutions to champion artistic freedom and establish guidelines that harmonize societal concerns with creative expression. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Surreal Art Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jeffrey-deitch-art-gallery.md) - [Post-Pandemic Art Exhibits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bonami.md) - [Perception-Challenging Art Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/becoming-familiar.md) - [Graffiti Culture Art Exhibits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/1970s-graffiti-today.md) - [Appointment-Basis Art Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/no-more-tears-im-lovin-it.md) - [Disruptive Fashion Art Galleries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dirty-looks.md) - [Collaborative Designer Art Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/just-like-heaven-art-exhibition.md) - [Raunchy Anime-Inspired Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/manuela-soto-sosa.md) - [AI-Curated Art Exhibits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-art-of-trending.md)