She said great artists such as Michelangelo and artworks from the 18th century often included nude art, even though many were based on religious works, and the nudity involved people of all ages.

“Nudity has always been a part of art. Some of today’s most priceless pieces of art were once controversial and we shouldn’t be so quick to judge someone’s work based on other people’s opinion,” she said.

While Ms Forster sympathises with the political backlash Henson has received for his photographs, she admits that it isn’t something she would want her daughter to take part in.

“I would be horrified to have my daughter involved in something like that,” she said.

Darlington Point artist Kerry Creecy said while Henson is one of Australia’s greatest photographers, the situation he finds himself in is not unprecedented.

“There has always been a form of censorship and controversy in art but that is what’s great about it – it gets people thinking,” she said.

“All art needs to be taken in context.

“And the bottom line is, if you don’t like it you don’t have to go and see it.”

Riverina arts expert Peter Batey has seen reproduced pictures of Henson’s works and can’t imagine the photos in his most recent exhibition could be called provocative. He said that apart from the children in the photographs being underage, no-one has actually said what is wrong with the works.

“The photographs are not created to be erotic art,” he said.

“The great problem is freedom of speech and censorship – where is the start and where is the end?

“And if there is a line with what can be classed as art and what can’t be, then where is that line and what crosses it?”

Local reverend Kevin Webb said the whole subject is totally disgusting.

“The exploitation of children in any manner or form is totally unacceptable,” he said.

“I agree with the Prime Minister that it is absolutely revolting.”