Philip Pearlstein painting removed from Betty Cuningham Gallery exhibition after visitors ask to see 'naked Candace'
The exhibition by Philip Pearlstein at the Betty Cuningham Gallery stirred up controversy when 'Model with Choohoo Weathervane and African Chair, 2010' was taken down. This artwork depicts model Candace Mills in the nude. During the opening on November 4, Mills posed for photos in front of her representation. By the next weekend, the painting was substituted, initially attributed to a request from collectors outside the area. It later came to light that some visitors had requested to see 'Candace naked,' a demand Pearlstein condemned. Mills expressed her disapproval of the gallery's choice on Facebook, mentioning her modeling clients. Pearlstein announced that the removed piece will be showcased in an upcoming exhibition in Paris, and Mills will appear in his next project. The exhibition continues until December 18.
Key facts
- Philip Pearlstein's painting 'Model with Choohoo Weathervane and African Chair, 2010' was removed from his exhibition at Betty Cuningham Gallery
- The painting features nude model Candace Mills
- The removal occurred after the November 4 opening reception
- Gallery staff initially cited out-of-town collectors needing to see the replacement work
- The real reason was visitors asking to see 'Candace naked'
- Pearlstein called this 'the wrong phrase to use' with his dealer
- Mills criticized the removal on Facebook, listing her modeling clients
- The painting will be shown in Paris, and Mills will appear in Pearlstein's next Paris-bound work
Entities
Artists
- Philip Pearlstein
- Candace Mills
- Paul Resika
- Sallie Benton
- Duncan Hannah
- Mari Lyons
- Ariane Lopez-Huici
- Alex Katz
- Will Cotton
- Inka Essenhigh
Institutions
- Betty Cuningham Gallery
Locations
- Paris
- France