Val HarrisA gallery that was ordered by police to remove a nude painting from its window is now hosting a nude exhibition to “celebrate the paintings of life”.
Police respond to local objections An exhibition in Hay-on-Wye, Powys, tells the story of a painting of a naked cowgirl that was displayed in a gallery window in September.
But Chair Gallery owner Val Harris is keen to normalize nude painting, saying “life drawing is the lifeblood of any artist”.
The gallery walls are now decorated with 50 images of nude men and women from 30 artists, including frontal male nudes placed in windows.
Ms Harris said the exhibition was less a protest than an “educational tool” to support artists and life drawing, and to help “normalize” nudity.
Nudity is often considered standard in galleries, art schools and life drawing courses, but Ms Harris said commercial galleries tended to shy away from them.
“Most artists paint from life. Life drawing is the lifeblood of any artist,” she said.
Val HarrisIn September, police asked Ms Harris to remove a painting by 22-year-old student Poppy Baynham, which depicted a woman wearing cowboy boots with her legs spread to reveal a pink patch on top. A black triangle of colored wool instead of the genitals.
Speaking of the events in September, Ms Benham said: “It shows how closed-minded people can be and assuming I was a famous artist I don’t think anyone would say anything.”
Police told Ms Harris that some members of the public had reported abuse of the image, titled “This is not pornography”.
The gallery owner said nude images were always displayed in her gallery and she “didn’t think much of it”.
Ms Harris refused to remove the display, instead placing a sign next to the painting urging passers-by to come in and share their views in a visitor’s book.
“I think people were uncomfortable with this woman’s stance, but the support for the exhibition has been overwhelmingly positive.”
Now, a frontal male painting of life is displayed in the window, which Ms. Harris said elicits a very different reaction than a female painting.
“People are particularly fascinated by the female body.”
“You heard a strange chuckle [at the male drawing] But I don’t hear parents or children talking about it or being offended by it,” she added.
Val HarrisAiming to expand the conversation around natural bodies, Ms. Harris also provides a submission book for viewers to leave comments about recent exhibitions.
The exhibition, titled “Slay Hay,” features the work of 30 artists selected from public submissions.
The exhibition will run until November 9, but Ms Harris hopes to make it an annual event.
