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Cyber Arte Controversy Collection

 Collection
Identifier: MSS-1084-BC

Scope and Contents

This collection documents the controversy stirred by "Our Lady" by Alma Lopez and the Cyber Arte Exhibition at the Museum of International Folk Art in Santa Fe, NM. Also included are presentations stemming from controversy, information on extremist groups and those who protested the piece, information on other pieces that caused similar controversies, and personal papers belonging to John McCarthy who donated the collection and was the Deputy Director of MOIFA during this period.

Dates

  • 1982-2009
  • Majority of material found in 2001

Creator

Access Restrictions

The collection is open for research.

Copy Restrictions

Limited duplication of CSWR material is allowed for research purposes. User is responsible for compliance with all copyright, privacy, and libel laws. Permission is required for publication or distribution.

Biographical / Historical

The Cyber Arte Exhibition was an exhibition of computer-inspired art by Hispana, Chicana, and Latina artists held at the Museum of International Folk Art (MOIFA) in Santa Fe, New Mexico in 2001. A specific piece in the exhibition, "Our Lady" by Alma Lopez, drew criticism from the Catholic community due to the way in which it depicts the Lady of Guadalupe. The exhibition of this piece led to a protest march by the American Society for the Defense of Tradition, Family, and Property, as well as various forms of backlash from the Catholic community in Santa Fe to include phone calls, letter, and emails in protest of the work and a boycott of the museum. MOIFA ultimately decided to remove the exhibit short of its planned 1-year run.

Extent

2 boxes, plus 1 oversized folder

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

This collection documents the controversy stirred by "Our Lady" by Alma Lopez and the Cyber Arte Exhibition at the Museum of International Folk Art in Santa Fe, NM.

Related Materials

Tey Diana Rebolledo Papers Center for Southwest Research and Special Collections, University of New Mexico Libraries.

Cyber Arte Exhibit Collection Fray Angélico Chávez History Library, Palace of the Governors, Santa Fe, NM.
Title
Finding Aid of the Cyber Arte Controversy Collection
Status
Completed
Author
Rachel Sullivan
Date
November 2021
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Part of the UNM Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections Repository

Contact:
University of New Mexico Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections
University Libraries, MSC05 3020
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque NM 87131
505-277-6451