"So I get this phone call yesterday from Cleveland Ward 11 Councilmen Mike Polensek. (For the record, Mr. Polensek seems like a nice guy trying to do a good job for his city.)
Mr. Polensek has received numerous calls regarding some offensive, pornographic art the gallery window. When I ask Polensek for more details, he informs me that the art in question is titled "Black Pussy" by Staci McNasty. The mixed media piece is not in the window, but very visible from the sidewalk. (If you have been to Low Life, you know that the front of the building is just about all windows!)
Turns out that some people feel this piece is racist. Unfortunately, the people that complained never once stopped into the gallery to discuss the issue or attempt to contact me prior to filing a complaint.
As a side note, the building that Low Life occupies was vacant for over five years. So much for "welcome to the neighborhood!"
Art, just like life, is not always cute, safe, or politically correct. Art is often a reflection of life and life in Cleveland at the moment is not all sunshine, rainbows, and unicorns."
And btw, the piece in question is of a doll with the head of a black kitty cat in the coochie area -- pretty literal if you ask me. Jeez hasn't anyone seen "The Bank Dick" where his favorite hangout is the Black Pussy Saloon? View and discuss: here
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