ART

Several Philadelphia artists are claiming censorship in an ongoing battle with Mayor W. Wilson Goode. The mayor’s order for the removal of two photos he considered “an insult to black people” has prompted three artists to pull their works from the “Art in City Hall” program and others to call for the exhibit’s permanent cancellation. The photos in question depict New Year’s Day revelers in minstrel makeup, but the photographer insists the Mummers Parade marchers are wearing blue and green makeup, not blackface. Said Moore College of Art President Edward C. McGuire of the situation: “There’s a fairly parochial point of view surrounding art on the part of some of our political leaders. They don’t recognize or accept the role of art in American society.” Attempts to reach Goode, who has rammed heads with members of the art community on several other occasions, were unsuccessful.