The collection of Japanese manga has generated public outcry alleging the art constitutes child pornography. The Danish Psychological Association has called for the exhibit to be shuttered because it could be seen as tacit approval of child sexual abuse.
Originating in the mid-18th Century, manga is a style of cartoon art featuring characters whose large eyes and youthful faces and bodies makes them appear child-like. The exhibit scheduled to take place at the Odense museum reportedly includes nudity, but no explicit sexual activity.
Museum curator Christian Hviid Mortensen said generating discussion about the controversy is precisely the point of the exhibit.
“I have to admit that I myself was shocked at how extreme this genre is, and how deranged the imaginations are in this universe,” he told The Copenhagen Post. “But we’re not showing the works for the sake of displaying child pornography. We’re looking for a debate on the issue. So if people are offended by it, then they should by all means speak out and say so.”
