BRUM CENSORS NUDE DESPITE ZERO COMPLAINTS

29-08-2006

The Stirrer has discovered that a nude photograph at the heart of a censorship row was withdrawn from Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery even though there hadn't been a single complaint from a member of the public......

Local artist Syra Miah took the snap of a semi-naked street dweller in Bangladesh, and it has been on display since July 8 as part of an exhibition celebrating Islamic art.

The picture shows a partially dressed woman with psychiatric problems who lives in a bus shelter.

She is shown asleep on the floor with her breasts exposed as city dwellers carry on their daily business around her - a remarkable insight into a different world.

When the Birmingham-based Muslim arts organisation Artists Circle was consulted, however, they claimed itmight offend the show's "target audience".

Curators then offered Syra Miah the chance to write an explanatory note to be posted on the wall, but she refused saying the image should speak for itself.

Her picture was subsequently removed, even though it hasn't drawn any adverse comments from ordinary gallery visitors.

In a further twist, the Stirrer understands that the photograph was initially taken for the Collide project - which is part-funded by the city council.

In other words, Birmingham is now in the business of censoring art which it has commissioned.

Barmy's not the word - maybe perverse would be more appropriate.

To remove a photograph on the say-so of just one individualsets a dangerous challenge to our traditional view of artistic freedom.

One senior arts figure in Birmingham commented: “If cultures want to meet and express themselves, what better place than an art gallery.

"If they can't do it there, in a safe and controlled environment, where can they?"

Another leading member of Birmingham's arts establishment said: “If people come to a gallery they should be opening themselves up to new experiences.

"Even if someone doesn't like what they see, they should look away. They should have no right to say what other people should or shouldn't see."

This incident is the latest blow to free speech in the city, following Birmingham Rep's decision to halt performances of Behzti in 2004.

The play drew protests from Sikhs who objected to its references to rape in a religious building.

Now we live in a city where a nude has been censored in an art gallery.