Esplanade to take down Vincent Leow artwork after kerfuffle
Artwork by Vincent Leow on display outside the Esplanade library, pictured on June 5, 2018.
Singapore — The Esplanade will be removing a sketch showing the back of a naked man on top of a chicken from its exhibition walls, after the artwork sparked an online furore.
In a statement by Esplanade’s chief executive officer-designate Yvonne Tham on Wednesday (June 6), the performing arts centre said it came to this decision following a discussion with Mr Vincent Leow, the artist featured in the exhibition BLANK at Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay.
"We have agreed to not continue displaying the drawing, given that the public space at Esplanade’s Community Wall does not allow opportunity for an advisory and is visited by a wide range of visitors, including families,” she said.
“We appreciate Vincent’s understanding of the situation, which arose solely from Esplanade’s error of judgement in exercising our responsibility to both artist and audience for presenting work in the appropriate space and context,” Ms Tham added.
The 1989 artwork is part of a April 13 to July 8 exhibition curated by the Esplanade showcasing Mr Leow’s sketchbooks and loose drawings from his 30-year career as an artist.
Facebook Group Singaporeans Defending Marriage and Family accused the Esplanade in a Tuesday post of “promoting bestiality” by featuring the work in a public space. The group noted that the exhibition, which spans the school holidays, is located near a children’s art space and play area.
Several parents and passersby interviewed by TODAY on Tuesday also expressed concern. A 69-year-old retiree, who gave her name only as Madam Chan had said: “We don’t want to see our children being exposed to this. Their values will be shaken. They will find that there is a new norm appealing to people.”
On Tuesday, Ms Tham admitted that it was an “error of judgement”, while stopping short of apologising. She said the Esplanade needed to discuss with Mr Leow before taking any further action.
“This exhibition has no intent to advocate for any position… The sole intent of the exhibition is to be able to present the very different things that may go behind the minds of an artist,” she had said.
