Ban on oil painting sparks debate

BY ALICE COWDREY

A controversial painting banned from a Nelson art competition has sparked debate in the art world.

Nelson artist Nichola Romney's untitled oil painting featuring nudity, rape, war and a nude Adam was turned away from the Arts Council Nelson Impressions Art Awards because of its graphic content. The awards have been judged and all entries are on display from today.

Mrs Romney says banning the artwork stifles her right to freedom of expression.

The award judges agree the work, depicting "the sins that men commit in the name of God", showed commendable levels of artistic skill. However, the awards were aimed at family and community audiences and were the wrong forum for the brutality of the painting's content.

There has been a mixed public response to the artwork, with many supporting Mrs Romney.

Nelson artist Nikki Huizinga said the painting was great and hoped Mrs Romney did not feel discouraged. She had talked to nine people, including seven artists, who all agreed with her.

"Her work was really good and it showed a lot of thought and insight, in matters that are no doubt important to her.

"I didn't consider her work at all offensive, quite the opposite – half of Sunday was spent discussing it with others. The conversations were quite invigorating."

Last year, the awards drew publicity after Ms Huizinga's painting, Joie de Vivre, was labelled by a viewer as offensive after it was displayed in a Richmond shop.

The painting, showing a nearly nude couple cavorting, was voted the people's favourite at the same awards.

Ms Huizinga, who entered a portrait in the awards this year, said the content was a bit mundane.

"We just thought it was a real pity it [Mrs Romney's painting] wasn't accepted into the awards.

"There was lots of good work there and the organisers did a great job, but the content was a bit ho-hum. Even mine was just a boring old portrait.

"It wouldn't probably hurt the art awards to have a bit more cutting-edge creativity. It was a shame when Nelson lost the Wearable Arts Awards, because it really gave Nelson an out-there image."

Comments written about the painting on the website of The Nelson Mail were mixed.

Mark Whelan said: "Freedom of expression is a great term and long may it live. Many years ago I owned an art gallery in Nelson.

"I had one painting that made my customers shudder from the implied tension shown in the painting. It made me uncomfortable as well. I was sorry to see it go."

Lisa Fowler said dark thoughts were not a talent, but the ability to artistically express any thought in a way that was inspiring, thoughtful or that provoked response was most certainly a talent worth savouring.

"Anyone can turn out a nice picture. Very few can evoke emotion as this artist obviously can – that is talent."

Allan Mckay said: "Let's face it, do we really need more thought-provoking art about violence, war, and murder? It's not like we are all ignorant of what's going on in the world. Maybe a nice cheerful picture of a sailboat and some seagulls would be more inspiring."

Peter said: "Perhaps she could set her talent and intellect towards producing something in that vein that will lift people's spirits rather than depress and revile them."

Mrs Romney said it was disappointing she could not show her work at the awards.

No matter what the criticism, she was grateful to have had the opportunity to express herself through the publicity she had received. She planned to approach Nelson art galleries to see if the artwork could be displayed.

- © Fairfax NZ News