Damien Hirst has gone from the artist we love to hate to the artist we just despise. We can hardly believe his most recent stint, a 66-foot sculpture of a naked pregnant teenager named 'Verity', is a real thing. But, alas, it was approved yesterday by the local council.
Not surprisingly, residents of Ilfracombe, Devon, the seaside UK town where the "chav sculpture" will show her bronzed belly and pert breasts to the masses, is not pleased. Since the statue was accepted by the North Devon Council, over a hundred complaints have been mailed in from members of the local government and residents of the idyllic town.
Northam resident Gwyneth Barnes called it "soft porn" while local counselor Julie Hunt asked: "Would this be allowed if it was a naked man baring his packed lunch for all to see?"
To the chagrin of local residents, Hirst's sculpture is expected to be installed in October and be on loan for approximately 20 years. (Is a celebration in order for 2032?)
We have compiled a slideshow of "Verity" in all her naked glory alongside our favorite remarks from enraged Hirst haters. How would you feel if this sculpture from the world's highest grossing living artist made its way to your town? Let us know in the comments below.
Correction: An earlier version of this article ran incorrect photos of the sculpture. We apologize for the error.