Gallery PopAn art installation in Moray spelling out the word ‘porn’ is to be reported by Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross following a spate of complaints.
The installation by Gallery Pop in Forres consists of large Scrabble-type letters that have been placed vertically on the wall.
Ross, who is the MP for Moray, said he has received a number of complaints from local residents about the ‘offensive’ sign and would be making the local authority aware.
He said: “Over the weekend I received several complaints from local residents about an offensive sign on the wall of the pop-up gallery in Forres.
“Given the number of people who got in touch, I contacted the person in charge at the gallery on Sunday and advised them of the complaints.
“I asked if planning permission had been sought for the sign and when I was advised that it had not been I informed them that I would be contacting Moray Council, asking them to look into the situation.”
The gallery, opened by Georgina Porteous earlier this year, is currently showing a range of work by local artists.
It defended its latest installation on Wednesday, saying the decision “was not taken lightly”.
In a statement, the gallery said: “The piece containing four letters spelling the word ‘porn’, a shortened form of the word ‘pornography’, is intended to highlight how letters come together and create words, which can create an emotional response.
“Art has always been contentious and a platform for discussion which often creates hostility as well as unity.
“Art is intended to open discussion and, in a society where we are always two clicks away from pornography, the installation is a platform to notice our response to this piece.
“The installation does not seek to formulate opinion – only to invite the audience to notice why they have the response they do.”
Police Scotland said it was aware of the complaints and enquiries are ongoing.
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