Controversial Newport art video moved (From South Wales Argus)

Controversial Newport art video moved

11:20am Thursday 25th October 2012 in News

CONTROVERSIAL artwork featuring dead celebrities has been moved to the cellar of a Newport gallery because it was deemed unsuitable for the general public.

The video installation by University of Wales, Newport, student Lauren Jones, is called the The 27 Club and features people wearing masks of stars who died aged 27.

These include Kurt Cobain, who is famously said to have proposed to Courtney Love in Newport, as well as Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, and Amy Winehouse.

The film was being shown at The Riverfront’s mezzanine gallery as part of an exhibition to celebrate the final year of the university’s fine art programme, which is to be scrapped after 112 years under guidance from the Welsh government.

But staff and customers complained about the film’s strong language and it has since been moved to a basement room with an advisory sign warning people of its contents.

A spokeswomen for The Riverfront said those who complained felt the material was inappropriate in the area it was being shown because it is a main thoroughfare often used by children.

Artist Miss Jones said: “I have no problem with the work being moved and completely understand why it has been. The piece is still on display and I am grateful to the Riverfront for giving me the space to display my work as part of the exhibition.”

Other artwork being featured in the exhibition include hallucinogenic pictures made using drugs, and works depicting female hysteria and intercourse.