Nudes, Notoriety, and the Art of Scandal: From Lennon to Modigliani ep127

In this episode of Modern Art is Rubbish, we’re jumping into three of the art world’s most daring controversies. Starting with John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s Two Virgins album cover—a work so revealing it had to be sold in a brown paper bag! Next, we explore Modigliani’s infamous 1917 Paris exhibition, where his nudes caused such a stir that the police shut it down on the first day. Finally, we delve into Hay-on-Wye’s recent scandal: a painting of a nude woman in cowboy boots, displayed right in the gallery window, which led to complaints, police visits, and a fierce local debate over censorship and art.

This episode is packed with stories about art pushing boundaries, sparking dialogue, and questioning the fine line between art and offense. Tune in to decide for yourself: are these works masterpieces or just plain outrageous?

Painting By Poppy Baynham shown at the Chair Gallery in Hay-on-Wye John Lennon, Yoko Ono “Two Virgins” back of the 1968 album

Censored front of the album in the paper bag Image from John Lennon’s Bag one. Reclining Nude 1971 Amadeo Modigiliani

The Origin of the World by Gustav Courbet 1866

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