In a letter to Council seen by Mosman Collective, local resident “Lynne” has called for the immediate removal of the explicit work, saying she was “horrified” to see the grotesque wording on public display.
“I can’t even bring myself to type the full ‘C’ word as publicly exhibited in full view of everybody, including children,” she wrote in an email sent to Mayor Carolyn Corrigan and all current Councillors on Monday.
“Possibly others are desensitised, but I felt horrified to see grotesque wording in the name of art.
“I am not a prude nor a religious person and appreciate abstract and somewhat controversial art.
“How can such rubbish be selected from 1,600 entries in the name of art?”
Mosman Collective has chosen to blur the offending word.
Lynne’s fury is shared by at least two other residents who’ve contacted Mosman Collective in the past 24 hours.
Artist Linda Brescia told Mosman Collective while she was prepared for some community backlash she did not intentionally create the work to be “controversial”.
“I was inspired to create something from a word that is so polarising,” Ms Brescia said.
“Why do women bristle when they hear the word c**t? Why does it have so much power?
“As women, we need to take control of the word and not let it be used against us in a degrading way.
“I think my work delivers a critical message about empowering women; you can see that in the words I’ve used, like ‘crusade’ and ‘speak out’.”
The Mosman Art Prize exhibition is open until October 6.
The finalist’s works, chosen from around Australia, are on display at Mosman Art Gallery until October 6.
Curator and Judge Julie Ewington chose Gemma Smith as this year’s winner of the acquisitive prize.
“I want to warmly congratulate all the artists who have submitted works, and who are being exhibited: you are all contributing to this country’s rich imaginative life,” Ms Ewington said in her Judges Report.
A spokesperson for Mosman Council told Mosman Collective Linda Brescia’s statement on her text-based work highlights “the importance of women taking control”.
“Council does not seek to censor artwork included in the finalists’ selection,” the spokesperson said.
Mosman Collective understands notices are posted at entry points to the exhibition, advising viewers that some artworks contain language and subject matter that is adult in nature, with discretion advised.