Police officers visited a small art gallery to warn that a naked portrait in the shop display could be breaking the law.
Val Harris was shocked to be informed that some neighbours in the arty town of Hay-on-Wye, mid-Wales, reportedly thought the painting was ‘pornographic’.
She was told that keeping it on display could be a public order offence and could even land her in court, and says she was advised to remove it.
The painting by artist Poppy Baynam features a naked women in cowboy boots with her legs spread and a black triangle and wool replacing her genitals.
Poppy herself was quite thrilled to see her work causing such a stir,saying: ‘That’s all an artist ever dreams of… their name getting out there and being heard and their work being seen.’
It only took three days from the painting going on display at The Chair before police arrived saying they had received complaints.
Val decided not to remove it, but has now placed a sign in front of the painting saying she is willing to ‘open up a dialogue on the issue’.
She welcomed those complaining to come in and sign a book about the art, which is fittingly titled ‘This is not p***ography’.
Poppy says she is delighted her artwork is still for sale, adding: ‘I just came to Hay thinking it would be a peaceful week but, no, we’ve stirred Hay up for sure!
‘It just shows how closed-minded people are, and let’s say if I was a famous artist I don’t think anyone would say anything.’
The artist’s full statement
A joint post on Instagram by The Chair and Poppy Bayman included the following statement by the artist:
‘In my opinion, all the women that have something bad to say about the painting aren’t grossed out so much as insecure. And it’s sad to see so many women upset by something we all have.
‘Most straight women haven’t seen a vulva, so I see why they might be scared of it. And it’s proving to me that there must be a lot of straight people here in Hay.
‘I think also penises can be seen as comical, while vulva’s are only sexual. The reason why I paint the female body and not the male body is because I want the world to normalise these nonsexual body parts that 50% of the world have.
‘This is also the reason why I don’t want to take it down. If I took it down the whole reason why I do art would be thrown back in my face.
‘When I started painting it I didn’t have one thought in my head thinking this would even get commented on. Half the art out there is nudity. So why should I remove it. Why is it inappropriate.
Is it because it’s not a ladylike pose? Who made these rules about ladylike poses? Men? The world needs to get away from these normative rules and normalise vaginas.’
Other locals in Hay said the complaints were unnecessary.
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Jessie Dixon said: ‘I thought of it as exciting and playful and I never thought of it as sexual object or anything like that.’
Dawn Lewis, said: ‘It’s not my cup of tea but I can’t see it being offensive personally, it’s art.’
Dyfed Powys Police confirmed the visit and said it was ‘too early’ to comment about possible further action.
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