French kissing sculpture sparks controversy in Fujian
Staff Reporter 2013-06-02 11:30
A sculpture of two students French kissing has been met with controversy from the public. (Photo/CFP)
A sculpture on display at the Bihu Ecological Park in Zhangshou in southern China's Fujian province has sparked debate among local residents concerning its appropriateness in a public area.
On a bench at the park's lakeside pavilion sits the controversial statue by young Chinese artist Liu Qing, featuring a young girl sitting on the lap of a boy French kissing. The sculpture shows both teenagers wearing school uniform, with the boy wearing a pair of Nike sports shoes, next to a McDonald's takeaway bag and an apple.
Another sculpture on the other side of the pavilion features a security guard standing and staring at the teenage couple.
"It is not appropriate to install an art work featuring two junior high school students kissing at the park," complained a man, surnamed Lin, who had visited the park with his two-year-old daughter.
The installation has also led to debate online, with some internet users saying that the art work is controversial because it may encourage teenagers to copy the behavior.
Public displays of affection are still considered taboo in many parts of China, but asked about the criticism, Liu explained that her sculptures only reflected real life as many students are involved in romantic relationships. The sculptures are a way to awaken society and make parents pay attention to the phenomenon, she said.
Zheng Yung, a professor at the Minnan Normal University, said that there is no problem with the piece if it were part of a private collection. However, when it is placed in a public park, it may misguide onlookers and negatively impact young children.
Hu Jung, head of the sociology department at Xiamen University, said that it should be seen as a bold piece of art, but added that whether the sculpture will misguide or alert the public to the social phenomenon has yet to be seen.
