Guernsey-based artist Sian Jones got more than she bargained for
when she decided to display her artwork at the Guernsey Annual Art
Festival. Two of her paintings, featuring well-known Disney
characters sharing a same-sex kiss sparked a debate over whether or
not the images were appropriate for exhibition.
The paintings, of Ariel and Jasmine (pictured right) and Eric
and Aladdin, sparked media attention, resulting in a front-page
story in the local newspaper, local radio interviews and an article
on thisisguernsey.com which garnered over 100 comments. While the
majority of views expressed were positive, some had their
objections.
The Deputy Head of a local primary school wrote on the Guernsey
Sunday Arts Facebook page: "While I'm neither a prude nor anti-gay
I was a little put off by the artist who was displaying large
pictures of Disney characters in gay kiss scenes. I don't think a
family event such as this is the place to display this work. It is
a little difficult to explain to toddlers why Ariel and Jasmine
& Aladdin and Eric are kissing, not to mention the huge
infringement of copyright this artist has incurred. I think Disney
Inc would be even less impressed than I was!"
But one commenter on the thisisgurnsey.com article disagreed,
writing: "Well done Sian. I hope one day people who say "I'm not a
homophobe but I don't want my kids to see pictures of gay people"
will realise how ridiculous and contradictory their stance is."
Speaking to DIVA on the fate of the controversial paintings,
Sian said: "The messages of support from the Guernsey gay community
have been really great, however despite a lot of interest in the
Disney paintings unfortunately they haven't sold yet, so they're
currently residing in my bedroom!"
