Nude Painting Offensive To Some, Art To Others

ESCONDIDO, Calif. -- The painting of a naked man is causing some concern in Escondido, 10News reported.

At issue is one of local artist Robert Ferguson's nude paintings. It is on display at a gallery on Grand Avenue in the gallery's second floor window. It is visible from the street and shows a man, lying on his side, nude.

Although some say it's a work of art, others say it's offensive.

"And they say that it's not pornography or sexual, but I think that it is," Escondido resident Deborah Vandersmitte said.

Ferguson said his work is tasteful and is influenced by impressionists, including Monet and Renoir.

"I didn't want to create controversy, I just wanted people to enjoy seeing the painting as much as I enjoyed painting it," Ferguson said.

He believes the controversy over his work really exposes people's misunderstanding of art.

But beauty is in the eye of the beholder. And there are some who describe the painting as not only offensive, but even unrighteous. They argue it should be moved back.

"Somebody should step in and say, well, hold on a second, maybe not every parent in Escondido wants their children to be seeing this," said Escondido resident Jeremiah Vignali.

At one point, after complaints, the painting was taken down, but it was put back on display after supporters encouraged Ferguson and the gallery to do so.

Supporters such as Escondido city officials have found nothing wrong with Ferguson's window display, in fact one of the painting's fans is the mayor.

"I mean, it's not in your face, and it's a beautiful painting and people should have a chance to see it," said Escondido Mayor Lori Holt Pfeiler.

The painting will remain on display through Feb. 4.