Artist shocked at Athlone proposal to remove his 'offensive' artwork
Athlone's Luan Art Gallery
Longford artist Shane Cullen has said he is shocked by a motion from Athlone Town Council to remove his work from the Luan Art Gallery.
Fine Gael's Mark Cooney called for it to be taken down at last night's meeting of the Local Authority saying it is "offensive".
The piece re-creates messages smuggled out by the families of hunger strikers in Long Kesh prison in the 1980s and Mr Cullen said it is a reflection of historical fact.
He said the piece, which is 15 years old, has travelled widely and has been exhibited in Belfast, Portadown and Derry.
He said there has never been a proposal that it be removed before.
Athlone Art and Heritage have released a statement saying that, following the meeting of Athlone Town Councillast night, the motion has been referred to the board of Athlone Art and Heritage.
Athlone Art and Heritage Ltd manage a number of facilities in Athlone, include the Luan Gallery.
They said the matter will be considered at their next board meeting.
No date has been given for that meeting.
Click to stay connected with
more stories like this:
more stories like this:
