Newport Beach Rehangs Nude Painting After Artist’s Protest

A nude painting of Adam, removed from a public gallery at Newport Beach City Hall nearly 2 weeks ago because it triggered complaints, was put back up Thursday after the artist’s lawyer threatened court action.

Several viewers reportedly had been disturbed by the painting in its original location, where people line up to pay their water bills. One prankster had attached a fig leaf to it.

The artist, Rosa Williamson of Orange, wrote to the Costa Mesa office of the American Civil Liberties Union complaining that the city had censored her work by moving it into the office of the city Arts Commission. Several other nudes by Williamson were moved as well. One of these--which also showed a full frontal male nude--was defaced with a false rubber nose after being relocated to the purchasing office.

“I feel that City Hall Gallery is a public forum, and I have a right to freedom of expression,” Williamson wrote.

On Wednesday, ACLU attorney Rebecca Jurado wrote to city attorney Robert Burnham demanding that all Williamson’s works be returned to the gallery. Jurado told Burnham that if the request was not met, she would seek a federal court order. The paintings were replaced Thursday afternoon, according to Arts Commission Chairwoman Sandy Blatterman.

Blatterman, who had ordered the paintings moved in the first place, refused further comment. Jurado and Williamson said they would withhold comment until they had checked on the replacement this morning.

The works are to remain on view through May 2.