ART

The Mapplethorpe Welcoming Committee: The controversial exhibition of photographs by the late Robert Mapplethorpe opened Wednesday to cheers from supporters who outnumbered critics seeking to ban the exhibit in Boston. About 150 supporters of the exhibit, some carrying signs saying “No Censorship” and “Free Speech,” rallied outside the Institute of Contemporary Art as some opponents called for its closing after viewing it for themselves. A steady line of nearly 100 people stood outside waiting to see the 120 works, most of which are portraits of artists and dancers and still lifes of flowers.