A controversial art installation inspired by a butt plug and Christmas tree has been vandalized in Paris. Paul McCarthy, the American artist who created the piece and is known for his risqué work, erected the large inflatable sculpture in Place Vendôme for the FIAC contemporary art fair. The giant sex toy has sparked outrage from Parisians since it was placed in the historic square, and on Saturday vandals cut the cables supporting the piece, leaving the artwork slumped on the pavement.
The artist said he was shocked at the outraged and angry reception to his work, since Paris is known for its relaxed, progressive attitude towards sex. One man was so upset that he attacked McCarthy, slapping him in the face several times and yelling that his work had no place in the square, before running away. The mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, supports the art, saying that these attacks essentially “attack artistic freedom,” and that “art has its place in our streets.”
Geez, prudish Parisians. Have a sense of humor, why don’t you? We don’t know about Paris, but your butt plugs and other sex toys will never be persecuted here! We love all forms of artistic expression—especially sexy ones!
@NiteFlirt