Critics Slam Collage of Virgin in Bikini

Some people pleaded against censorship, but many more urged the Museum of New Mexico in Santa Fe to remove a bare-midriff depiction of Our Lady of Guadalupe that they said was disrespectful and offensive.

Four of the seven Museum of New Mexico regents heard the discussion of a photo collage by Los Angeles artist Alma Lopez, part of a display called “Cyber Arte: Where Tradition Meets Technology,” at the state Museum of International Folk Art.

It may be weeks before the regents decide whether to remove “Our Lady,” an image of the Virgin Mary in a two-piece floral outfit.

Lopez has said she meant to portray the Virgin as a strong, independent, modern woman, and meant no disrespect.