Mural of artist’s naked Barbie spray-painted near children’s playground ‘endorses sexual assault’, angry local residents say
- Locals claim the mural in Pittville Park, Cheltenham, is ‘inappropriate’
A large image of a naked Barbie doll spray-painted on a wall near a children’s playground has angered some people.
Artist Katie Scott’s photo, on the wall of a football locker room building in Pittville Park, Cheltenham, has been described as ‘inappropriate’ and possibly ‘approving of sexual assault’.
Those offended by it say the photo should not have been taken in a public park, especially since the building is just 100 yards from the playground.
It’s because millions of people watched the super hit Barbie movie this summer, starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling.
The blockbuster, directed by Greta Gerwig, has grossed more than $1 billion at the box office worldwide, and movie executives are already working on a sequel.
Those offended by it say the photo should not have been taken in a public park so close to a children’s playground
The Barbie artwork was created in the Agg-Gardner Recreation Ground area of the park as part of the Cheltenham Paint Festival
The Barbie artwork, featuring the doll lying with legs apart and three high-heeled shoes on the side, was created in the Agg-Gardner Recreation Ground area of the park as part of the Cheltenham Paint Festival.
During the annual event, buildings in the city are decorated by artists, with the owner’s consent.
Katie from Manchester received permission to take her photo from Cheltenham Borough Council.
The spokesman said a member of the public submitted a written complaint, saying it was “inappropriate for a park” and that it “could be viewed as condoning sexual assault.”
Some park users, who did not want to be named, were also concerned about the image.
One of them said, “There’s no reason for her to be naked.”
Another said: ‘They could have chosen a less controversial topic. Why a naked woman when there is other beautiful art they could have chosen?’
A woman who ran past the painting said it “needs interpretation” or some people would think it was overtly sexual.
But another woman, who visited the park with children she cared for, saw nothing wrong with it.
Sarah-Jayne Tily said: ‘I think it’s fantastic and smart. It’s just a doll.’
It’s because millions of people have seen the hit Barbie movie, starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling
Artist Katie Scott’s photo, on the wall of a football locker room building in Pittville Park, Cheltenham (pictured), has been described as ‘inappropriate’ and possibly ‘endorsing sexual assault’
Dozens of supporters of the Cheltenham Paint Festival have defended the artwork, saying it is breathtaking.
Katie said: ‘I’m gutted to hear that people have complained about the piece. I think it says something more about the people complaining because they think the piece could be considered sexual.
“There is no sexualized intention behind the painting at all. It’s all about nostalgia and returning to childhood.’
She said the plastic shoes Barbie wore were among her favorite items and her photo mimicked her carelessly scattering her toys after playing with them in her bright pink room.
She added, “It’s just meant to evoke happiness and a light-hearted chuckle in people, and I’m pretty sure it did.
“There were also a lot of kids in the park when I was painting and they all loved it. After all, she’s made of plastic.’