Published: Friday, 20th June, 2008 10:00am

Sex art show next to kids’ workshop

by Mike Greenshields

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A SEXUALLY explicit art exhibition which has been banned from 80 galleries in London is on display under the same roof as a children's workshop in Slough.

Entitled ‘Uncensored', the graphic work by a former drug addict covers social issues including rape, homelessness, child prostitution, drug addiction and sexual abuse.

The art, which has strong sexual content and offensive titles, is on display at Gallery 435, in Montrose Avenue next to a room where youngsters meet for an art workshop.

One parent was so offended by the exhibition he threatened to report it to the police. Another, a father of two who saw the display said: "I think this art work is nothing more than pornography and was created purely for shock value. It is completely inappropriate to have works such as a kid's slide and a dolls' house covered in pornographic images with needles and condoms.

"If a child found access to the room they would naturally want to play with what they think are toys and would be exposed to these hazards.

"The paintings are very offensive too. They are named using words that most people never use in everyday language. One thing I know for sure, there is no way I would want my children anywhere near this exhibition."

Gallery Founder Zoe Hatch defended her decision to run the exhibition and workshop

side-by-side. She said: "Gallery 435 treats public complaints very seriously. It is our opinion that appropriate safeguards were and remain in place to ensure the protection of any children.

"The gallery adopted best practices in line with current guidelines from other galleries regarding exhibiting controversial artwork and explicit imagery. Written and verbal warnings were given to anyone entering the exhibition and safeguards were made to ensure the children could not enter the exhibition by mistake."

Angela Edwards, the 29-year-old artist, insists her work is relevant and not for shock value. She said: "My work reflects the damaged life of British lower class society. It might not be pretty but it is reality and too many people want to avoid the subject because it is taboo.

"I moved to London when I was 16 and experienced this lifestyle first-hand when I became addicted to crack and heroin and slept rough on the streets for eight years. People are quite happy to raise issues on the hardships in Iraq and Africa, but when the problem lies closer to home they choose to stay clear of it."

Gallery 435 is funded by donations from local corporations and all exhibitions are free.

The Uncensored exhibition is on display from 1pm to 5pm, Thursday to Sunday, until June 29.