Oops, they've done it again

She may seem an unlikely exhibit for one of London's most prestigious art venues, but today Britney Spears will be on display in a variety of revealing poses.

The 22-year-old is the sole subject of a photographic exhibition at the Institute of Contemporary Arts.

The event follows a two-day show at the ICA devoted to pornography, which included a panellist who is an actress from French porn films. Critics claim the institute has lost its way, and is resorting to "sexing up" its output to attract an audience.

The gallery in The Mall receives about £1.1 million from the Arts Council and is renowned for its avantgarde exhibitions.

But it has had problems defining its role. Former chairman Ivan Massow was ousted two years ago in a row over the nature of conceptual art, while director Philip Dodd recently quit for a job in China.

The I Heart Britney exhibition - on today only from 3pm and free to the public - includes images of the singer by fashion photographers including Herb Ritts and David LaChapelle, alongside pictures of Spears from the world's press.

The ICA has not organised the event, which is a private exhibition in gallery space hired by record label BMG to mark the launch of Spears's new album.

A spokeswoman for the ICA would not comment. However, a BMG spokesman said: "It is the most fitting place in London for a Britney Spears exhibition - the ICA has a history of exhibiting popular art and photography. This is a major exhibition and the ICA is well known for being up to date, edgy and cool."

The show captures key moments from Spears's career, ranging from landmark front covers for Rolling Stone to the kiss with Madonna at the 2003 MTV Video Music Awards. But the singer, who recently married 26-year-old dancer Kevin Federline, will not attend the one-off event.

The timing of the exhibition is appropriate. In a new message to fans today, Spears said: "My new hobby is experimenting with all different types of art lessons. It's always been a passion of mine."