Photographer Wang Dong takes photos for a model in the Palace Museum. (Photo from Sina Weibo)
(ECNS) - A full frontal nude photo of a woman inside Beijing's Forbidden City has sparked debate about art and how to treat historic relics.
Photographer Wang Dong took the shots, which included a nude model sitting on the head of a 600-year-old stone statue of a legendary dragon without horns, according to the Beijing Times on Monday.
Wang posted the photos on May 17, when they received mixed reactions. Some praised them, seeing them as an artistic endeavor, while others criticized them for denigrating historical Chinese relics and disturbing public order.
Wang said he doesn't think his photos should disturb anyone, and that artistic expression is destined to be misunderstood.
The photo shoot could be deemed illegal if Wang failed to inform Forbidden City management in advance, in which case he could be involved in intentional public nudity and visual disturbance, said lawyer Liu Changsong. However, if the photo shoot took place in a specific location negotiated with Forbidden City management without public disturbance, there would be no legal concern for Wang. If so, why the Forbidden City opened for a private photo shoot is questionable in the first place.
Wang's name might also join a tourist blacklist depending on whether the photos are recognized as art, said Liu Simin, a tourism expert. To qualify as art, Wang needs approval from Forbidden City management.
The 600-year-old dragon head was harmed when the model sat on it, said Hu Hansheng, a historic relic expert. Ancient architectures are immovable relics and deserve proper care. "You cannot climb on them dressed, let alone naked," said Hu.
