US galleries refuse naked Trump painting

US galleries refuse naked Trump painting

Several US art galleries have refused to exhibit Australian-American artist Illma Gore's painting of controversial magnate and Republican presidential hopeful Donald Trump, whom she portrays naked with tiny genitals.

But the painting, in which Trump is seen with his arms resting on one knee, will get a showing within two weeks at Britain's Maddox Gallery in London's exclusive Mayfair district, the Los Angeles-based artist told EFE.
"It seems odd to me that with all the freedom of expression in the United States, I have to go to London to show my art," the young artist, known for her feminist creations and street-art events, said.
The work is priced at almost $US1.4 million ($A1.87 million) and Trump's campaign slogan is its name: "Make America Great Again."
Trump appears in the painting with his signature blond hair, making one of his well-known funny faces, his arms resting on one leg and with a small penis, which has been the object of much controversy, anger and jokes on social networks.
Representing the tough New York magnate with small genitals was supposed to "start a debate about gender and about why society gives so much importance to what someone has inside his pants," Illma Gore told EFE.
"You can basically be a bad person no matter what's in you pants. Your genitals don't define what kind of person you are, nor your power, nor your intelligence," she said.
When asked, the artist did not wish to name the US galleries that refused to exhibit her work.

"I don't want to name the galleries because I don't want to put them on the line of fire. They did it more for their security and because Donald Trump is taking legal action and is also inciting violence against all who don't support him," Illma Gore said, adding that she herself has received threats as a consequence.
The artist said the content of her painting has been banned on social networks Twitter and Facebook, nor can the picture be sold on the e-commerce platform eBay.

Originally published as US galleries refuse naked Trump painting