According to BBC Hereford and Worcester, police were called to The Chair gallery in Hay the other day, because of complaints about a picture in the window. They warned that the picture might constitute a public order offence, but they have not said whether further action will be taken yet.
It's very pink.
I haven't taken a picture, because I am rubbish at taking photos through glass, but it's a long, narrow rectangular picture of a naked woman with her legs spread wide - well, almost naked; she's wearing pink cowboy boots.
Apparently there was a meeting about the picture yesterday afternoon at the gallery - I only found out about it afterwards - and there is a visitor's book now where people can record their thoughts about the picture, which was painted by art student Poppy Baynham. The exhibition is a joint venture with her sister.
The picture isn't something I'd hang on my wall at home, but I think there is a useful discussion to be had about the difference between art and pornography (or is there a distinct difference?).
At any rate, nakedness in art goes back to the beginning of art itself. Maybe it's the prominent position of the picture that is the problem - but then perfectly reputable art galleries display statues of naked people - all those Greek and Renaissance statues of young men didn't originally have fig leaves in strategic positions. Mostly, the Victorians added those!
The exhibitions at The Chair don't go on for very long, so in a couple of weeks all this will be past history anyway.
5 comments:
There’s a real snooty attitude towards locals from the gentrifiers of Hay. It’s no surprise that both ‘artists’ exhibiting are related to the owner and will clearly benefit from the publicity. Regardless of any opinion of the painting, I detect a nauseating whiff of pretention to Hay now.
What is the difference between art and porn? Maybe it is the perception of whoever complained - who on earth did that in this case and why?
I'm afraid I have no idea who it was who complained - but of course, when an official complaint is made, the police have to turn up.
What is ‘past history’?
By 'past history' I mean that the world has moved on; there is no longer a pink picture in the window of the Chair, and all evidence of the furore has vanished.
Post a Comment