Red lips. Provocative?
Photo: CD Bank
Red lips anger Orthodox; show closed
Ultra-Orthodox pressure leads to termination of art exhibit; artist: I didn't expect such controversy
Learning from Iran? An art exhibit by artist Helena Ohayon was removed in the wake of ultra-Orthodox pressure over an over-exposed leg sticking out of a jacket, and red lips.
The show, which was exhibited in the southern town of Ashdod, dealt with models and soccer players. The show opened Wednesday, but a day later Ohayon was called into city hall, where she was asked to remove her work.
"As it turns out, there was plenty of anger over this exhibit, even though I still don't quite understand the controversy," Ohayon said. "The ultra-Orthodox claimed the models' lips were too red."
Ohayon, who is a well respected artist across the country, held shows in the past where she exhibited statues and paintings. The latest exhibit was meant to focus on a contemporary phenomena in Israel, she says, namely the combination of models and soccer players.
"I wanted to express the subject in my own way, but I never imagined this will stir such a storm," she said.
City official embarrassed
Ohayon said Ashdod's mayor also did not quite understand what the fuss was about.
"The mayor told me it was much ado about nothing…this exhibit is really not provocative. I chose not to include my more provocative works in this show," she said. "The municipality's director general was also embarrassed. I understood from everyone that they cannot face the pressure prompted by the show, and that's why I decided to remove it."
Ohayon said she regrets removing the show, because she hoped to attract those who are usually not drawn to art exhibits.
Municipal official Ephraim Weber, who is himself ultra-Orthodox, said he was among those who turned to city hall and demanded the exhibit be removed.
"I think we're talking about a public venue, and we cannot have something that hurts our feelings and is controversial," he said.
A spokesman for the municipality said the decision to remove the exhibit was taken after members of the ultra-Orthodox community were hurt by the show.
"Therefore, we are now attempting to find another venue for the exhibit and I'm assuming that it will be moved elsewhere in the coming days," he said.
