A self-portrait of Memphis photographer Tommy Kha dressed as Elvis will be reinstalled in Memphis International Airport, airport officials announced Tuesday, March 22.

“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,” Scott Brockman, CEO and president of the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority said in a statement. “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.”

Photographer’s work removed from Memphis airport

The airport authority had taken the artwork down, saying that it had generated “a lot of” negative feedback from Elvis fans. The authority also said that “a small number of comments” included “language that referred to Mr. Kha’s race,” which is Asian American.

After the artwork came down, an online petition was launched to return the piece to the airport. 

Many others responded in support of Kha, including the UrbanArt Commission, who curated the program in the B concourse during its recent modernization.

ArtsMemphis posted a statement on social media in support of UrbanArt’s position on Tuesday:

“We stand behind our grantee @urbanartmemphis’ perspectives and mission to create opportunities for artists and neighborhoods to connect and shape spaces through public art, as well as their commitment to supporting a diverse and authentic community in Memphis.”

Brockman’s full statement from Tuesday can be read below:

“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.”