Geelong artist Frank Prskalo’s work censored at Platform Arts for ‘trivialising’ trans experience

An artist’s work has been dropped from an exhibition that says it accepts all art pieces. WARNING: IMAGES MAY BE OFFENSIVE

Frank Prskalo claims a local gallery censored his artwork. Picture: Alan Barber

A Geelong artist has had his work dropped from an exhibition, named after nonconformist curator Walter Hopps, after organisers found it may be perceived anti-trans.

CBD gallery Platform Arts opened its After Walter Hopps exhibition, inviting artists from the G21 region to bring in new or existing works on a “first come, first served basis” with all artists to be accepted.

Frank Prskalo submitted four pieces, each with references to genitalia.

He said Platform Arts took all four to display, but when he returned to view them, he was informed one had been taken down.

“The director came up to me and said you have to take this one away as it’s been deemed offensive,” Mr Prskalo said.

“It’s a picture that states many things, they’re denying artistic expression.”

Frank Prskalo’s works hanging in Platform arts.

Frank Prskalo with other works in 2022. Picture: Ginger + Mint

The painting featured an orange background with the words “I’m Rick, chick with a d***” in colourful writing.

Platform Arts executive director and co-chief executive Tennille Moisel said while the gallery strives to “accommodate all works and artforms,” their terms and conditions specifically state that final curatorial decisions rest with the gallery.

Ms Moisel said while the gallery would accept the other three of Mr Prskalo’s works, the text of the fourth did not “align with our vision, mission and values around safety and inclusion”.

“We do not support work that can be viewed as denigrating or trivialising to the transgender experience, which this work can be interpreted to do,” she said.

“Platform Arts works closely with artists and organisations from the LGBTIQA+ community, and are a proud partner for the Geelong Pride Film Festival.”

Frank Prskalo said Platform Arts censored his artwork.

While Mr Prskalo conceded the art could be perceived as anti-trans, he said the gallery’s choice goes against the values of the man the exhibit was named after.

“The exhibition is Walter Hopps, who was a nonconformist, maverick curator,” he said.

“It allowed art from anyone, it states that clearly when you enter.

“My work’s been censored and cancelled.”

Mr Prskalo said his work was no more offensive than other works in the gallery and shown elsewhere, referencing controversial photograph ‘Piss Christ’ by Andres Serrano, which depicts an image of a crucifix with Jesus submerged in urine, and had been shown at the National Gallery of Victoria.

“Piss Christ” by Andres Serrano. Picture: Artists/Serrano

“That was picked out by the director of contemporary art,” he said.

“That was 20 years ago, you could say that was an anti-Christian picture.”

The Walter Hopps exhibition features a total of 235 works from 174 local artists ranging in age from 6 to 86, and is open until September 20.

Ms Moisel invited “everyone to come along and celebrate the breadth of artistic talent from our community”.

Originally published as Geelong artist Frank Prskalo’s work censored at Platform Arts for ‘trivialising’ trans experience