The sponsor of the annual $10,000 National Contemporary Award for art says it will not buy this year's winning entry - a painting of a vagina - because it would not be an "appropriate way to spend community funds".
Trust Waikato has first option to buy the winning artwork.
But chairman Neil Clarke said he did not think it would be a good idea for a community trust organisation to spend $8500 on Auckland artist Rohan Wealleans' abstract of a large, bright yellow vagina, hanging at Waikato Museum of Art and History.
"There is no reason but the obvious ... I think the trust has got to be really selective and sensitive," Mr Clarke said.
Last year, after trust art consultant Stuart Stubbs bought the winning sculpture featuring crates of home brew, the trust had resolved that future delegation of art works should be given to Mr Clarke in consultation with Mr Stubbs.
- NZPA
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.
Latest from New Zealand
Warbirds over Wanaka
Hundreds of aviation enthusiasts turned out to see some impressive aircraft in action yesterday at a preview of the Warbirds over Wanaka show this weekend. The popular event had been grounded for the past six years, partly because of Covid pandemic restrictions. This Easter weekend it returns, with a sellout crowd of more than 60,000 people set to attend today and tomorrow. Photos / George Heard