LGBT art exhibition featuring nudity and political commentary has sparked outrage among parents and conservatives due to its placement surrounding a children’s playground in Brooklyn.
At a Glance
- The “Rooted in Pride” exhibition surrounds JJ Byrne Playground in Brooklyn with artwork containing nudity and adult themes
- Several pieces display nude images, including one with gay pornographic themes and another showing exposed nipples
- The exhibition includes political messages against former President Trump and claims that gender reveal parties are “transphobic”
- Organized by non-profit Arts Gowanus, the exhibition will remain on display until August 1
- Critics question the appropriateness of placing such content where children regularly play
Controversial Art Exhibition Targets Children’s Playground
A controversial LGBT art exhibition titled “Rooted in Pride” has drawn criticism for its placement surrounding the JJ Byrne Playground in Brooklyn, New York. The exhibition, which will remain on display until August 1, features work from LGBTQIA artists that includes nude imagery, gender ideology, and anti-Trump political messages. Parents visiting the playground with young children have expressed concern over the exhibition’s mature content being displayed in an area frequented by families and children.
One particularly controversial piece by artist Lukasz Leja titled “Paint me like one of your polish girls” features gay pornographic themes. Another artwork displays two nude people embracing with exposed nipples, while additional pieces feature men in gay pride and drag attire. The placement of such explicit material around a children’s playground has raised questions about the appropriateness of the venue selection and whether children should be exposed to such content without parental consent.
Political Messaging and Gender Ideology
Beyond the nudity, the exhibition contains overt political messaging targeting traditional values and the former Trump administration. One piece created on Inauguration Day 2025 directly criticizes former President Trump, claiming he sought to “destroy” certain communities. The description accompanying this artwork states that “regardless of the identities or beliefs of the communities the president seeks to destroy, we are still his constituency.”
Another controversial piece attacks the tradition of gender reveal parties, describing them as harmful celebrations that promote “toxic expectations.” The artwork’s description claims that gender reveals are “transphobic, homophobic and racist” and have “hurt people both physically and mentally.” According to the description, these celebrations cause trauma to both babies and parents by “labeling their child.”
Organizers and Selection Process
The exhibition is organized by Arts Gowanus, a non-profit organization that has highlighted the diverse backgrounds of the jurors who selected the artwork. Among these jurors is Gayah Imani Gillson, described as a “BIPOC, QTPOC, TwoSpirit artist.” When contacted by The Daily Wire for comment on the controversy surrounding the exhibition’s placement and content, Arts Gowanus did not respond to requests for statement.
— Gays Against Groomers (@againstgrmrs) June 13, 2024
Critics have pointed out that while artistic freedom is important, the placement of mature content in areas primarily designed for children raises legitimate concerns about age-appropriate exposure. The exhibition highlights a growing tension between artistic expression and parental rights to determine what content their children are exposed to in public spaces typically designated for family-friendly activities.
Similar Controversies Elsewhere
This Brooklyn exhibition controversy mirrors a similar situation at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, where photographs by artist Sally Mann featuring nude children have prompted a police investigation for potential child pornography violations. While defenders of such exhibits cite artistic merit, critics including the Danbury Institute, a religious liberty group, have condemned them as exploitative and inappropriate.
“These images are presented under the guise of art, but in reality, they sexualize children and exploit their innocence. This exhibit should be called what it is: child pornography.”, said Sharayah Colter.
The Brooklyn playground exhibition represents a growing trend where traditional boundaries between adult content and children’s spaces are being challenged under the banner of artistic expression and identity politics. As more of these exhibits appear in public spaces, communities across America continue to debate where artistic freedom ends and child protection begins.
