The Most Controversial Art Exhibitions and Installations of All Time

Shows that caused more than just a stir.

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Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

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In our opinion, art that causes some kind of stir is some of the best—not everything should just be looked at for pleasure. If a work of art can cause audiences to question their roles in life, the role of art, or the state of the world, that could be considered a success. Of course, different works and exhibitions cause stirs for different reasons: audacity of presentation, obscenity, risqué business, perceived blasphemy… whatever it is, it’s been a function of art throughout history to break with norms. We’ve collected some of the best and most contentious art shows that ever opened. Here are The Most Controversial Art Exhibitions and Installations of All Time.

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20. Brownnosing

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19. "Kissing Doesn't Kill"

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18. "According to What?"

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17. "All"

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16. Tilted Arc

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15. "Exposicion No.1"

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14. Break Down

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13. Surrounded Islands

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12. Everyone I Have Ever Slept With 1963–1995

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11. Erased de Kooning Drawing

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10. "Sensation"

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9. "The Perfect Moment"

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8. Dreamspace V

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7. Guernica

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6. How Ya Like Me Now?

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5. Los Intocables

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4. "Society of Independent Artists"

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3. "Multiples: The Artwork of John Wayne Gacy"

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2. Piss Christ

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1. What Is the Proper Way to Display a U.S. Flag?

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