Paris tree sculpture criticised by anti-gay group
By Josh Haggis
A sculpture erected in Place Vendôme in central Paris has been criticised by an anti-gay group because it supposedly resembles a butt plug.
Designed by American-based artist Paul McCarthy, the 24m high sculpture known as ‘Tree’ – part of the International Contemporary Art Fair (FIAC) – has provoked a protest from anti-gay group Printemps Francais because of its alleged similarity to the sex toy popular with some gay men.
In a post on Twitter, the notoriously anti-gay right-wing group spoke out against McCarthy’s work of art, writing: “Anal plug or tree? Place Vendôme is disfigured…Paris is humiliated!”
Jennifer Flay, artistic director of the FIAC, has since told French newspaper Le Monde that the sculpture isn’t intended to cause any “offence”.
“But there is no offence against the public and enough ambiguity to not disturb the children,” she said. “This work has also received all necessary approvals: the Prefecture of Police, the Mayor of Paris and the Ministry of Culture, in collaboration with the Comité Vendôme.”
She added: “What is art [meant to do] if not to disturb, to prompt questions, to reveal flaws in the company?”