Culture

Madonna outrage in Norwich

by LotusFlower | October 18, 2008 at 03:23 am

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Madonna is causing outrage in Norwich and it's nothing to do with her divorce from Guy Ritchie.

A photograph of Madonna on a cross wearing a crown of thorns is featured in an art gallery in Norwich and police have asked the gallery to take down the photograph as it might cause offence.

A local coffee kiosk owner has now decided to also put the image up on his kiosk in the centre of Norwich in protest at the proposed censorship.

The name Madonna is on everyone's lips this week because of her divorce from Lock Stock director Guy Ritchie - but that's not why she is causing a stir in Norwich.

An “offensive” photograph of Madonna in a window of a Norwich gallery has prompted a formal request for its removal following complaints to the police.

Reporter KIM BRISCOE asked religious leaders, art students and people in the city for their thoughts on the furore.

It is a striking image, but also a controversial one.

The photograph of Madonna posing on a cross and wearing a crown of thorns has been displayed in the city for more than a week as part of a showcase of the work of celebrity photographer Dave Hogan.

But it caused problems after gallery owner David Koppel decided to hang it in the window and in full view of passers-by at the St Giles Street Gallery.

Less than 24 hours later, he received a call from police urging him to remove the photograph following a single complaint that it had caused offence.

With an exhibition of celebrity photos to publicise, gallery owner David Koppel figured an eye-catching image in his window would drum up interest.

In the end he selected one of pop star Madonna posing on a mirrored cross while wearing a crown of thorns taken during her 2006 Confessions tour.

Unfortunately, he is now the subject of a police investigation after one passer-by complained it was offensive to Norfolk police.