MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority (MSCAA) President and CEO Scott Brockman announced in a statement Tuesday that the airport will re-install a piece of art that was removed due to "strong backlash" from Elvis fans Monday.
The piece, a photograph of an Asian man wearing an Elvis outfit, was originally submitted by Asian-American artist Tommy Kha, who's from Memphis.
It was selected by a committee led by Memphis' Urban Art Commission to be displayed in the airport's newly-renovated Concourse B.
The artwork received intense backlash from travelers, some of them racially motivated, which the airport called "completely inappropriate."
The airport authority initially decided to remove the piece due to the strong complaints, but Brockman said he appreciates the community's support of Tommy and decided to reinstall the artwork.
"As stated yesterday, when the airport created its art program, our goal was to purchase and display artwork that did not include public figures or celebrities but made an exception in this case," Brockman said. "The Airport Authority will continue to emphasize local artists, diversity, and inclusion with this art program, and we will explore additional best practices to address how we handle complaints and public feedback about our artwork."
A spokesperson with the airport authority said there is no timeline to have the piece re-installed, but it will be "as soon as possible," depending on installation requirements.
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Kha was in conversations earlier today about moving forward with having his art put back up in the airport, and the airport authority said Kha was made aware that his artwork will be re-installed.
Here's the full statement from Memphis airport authority President and CEO Scott Brockman:
Over the past 24 hours, we have heard from many in our community regarding the temporary removal of Tommy Kha’s artwork in the new concourse. The Airport Authority appreciates the support that the community has shown for Tommy and we have made the decision to reinstall the artwork. We apologize to Tommy for the effect that this ordeal has had on him.
As stated yesterday, when the airport created its art program, our goal was to purchase and display artwork that did not include public figures or celebrities but made an exception in this case.
The Airport Authority will continue to emphasize local artists, diversity, and inclusion with this art program, and we will explore additional best practices to address how we handle complaints and public feedback about our artwork.