'Obscene' sculpture moves to new home

A NUDE sculpture ruled indecent by the Obscene Articles Tribunal will be displayed in its original form at the Hong Kong Arts Centre from today.

Owners of late British artist Dame Elisabeth Frink's bronze, the New Man - previously on display in the Kailey Tower in Central - have had to cover up the male sculpture's genitals with a cardboard fig leaf since the tribunal ruling.

The Arts Centre said last night its decision was based on the understanding that it was acceptable to display a sculpture in its original form if the venue was a museum or art gallery, rather than a public building.

A discussion forum on indecency and artistic freedom will be held tomorrow, with speakers including legislator Christine Loh Kung-wai and other members of the arts community.

The owner of the sculpture, Woo Po-shing, through his company Kailey Enterprises Ltd, made the application for classification to the Obscene Articles Tribunal after the Television and Entertainment Licensing Authority responded to an anonymous complaint.

Licensing authority officers inspected the work of art and advised the firm to cover up the allegedly offensive parts.