By Nathan Watson, Midland-Kalamunda Reporter
A NUDE portrait rejected for a local art exhibition is sure to arouse debate on whether nudity has any place in art.
Mt Helena artist Jeremy Holton claims he was told his painting, titled The Sweetest Smile and submitted to the Shire of Mundaring Open Art Acquisition Exhibition, was pornographic.
Each year, the Mundaring Arts Centre hosts an exhibition for the Shire, from which the Shire selects and purchases works for its collection.
This year’s exhibition officially opened last night and runs until March 7, with 33 artworks on show, including a painting by Mr Holton of Mundaring Weir.
However, he is disappointed three months’ work on the nude portrait did not pay off.
“I’m shocked that they would consider this to be pornographic,” he said.
“I don’t think it is. It is distinctly different (from porn). The painting is very detailed and realistic, but I don’t see why that should be a problem.
“There is no obvious genitalia even though the legs are open. I believe the figure is secondary to the drape, which is bright and very colourful.”
Mundaring Arts Centre director Jenny Haynes said the committee believed the painting was not of quality, and inappropriate for the exhibition.
“It’s a painting… laying there with breast and vagina showing, inviting him to come to bed,” she said.
“It is poorly composed. It was refused on the grounds that it was not a very good painting.”
Ms Haynes said there had always been a fine line between quality artwork that celebrated sensuality and the female form, and pornography, but at no stage was Mr Holton told his painting was pornographic.
The conditions of entry also clearly stated the selection committee reserved the right to refuse any entry.
Mr Holton admitted it was a risk submitting the work, but believed there was a place for nudity in art.
“Nudity has been part of art for hundreds of years,” he said.
“It is one of the most enjoyable but difficult things to paint.”
Click here to see the nude image