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Naked Donald Trump painting censored in the US to go on display in UK gallery

'The painting was created to evoke a reaction, good or bad, about the significance we place on our physical selves'

Jack Shepherd
Thursday 07 April 2016 08:43 EDT
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Illma Gore's pastel illustration of Donald Trump
Illma Gore's pastel illustration of Donald Trump (Illma Gore/Maddox Gallery)

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On many occasions throughout the Republican primaries, things have gotten a little childish, but nothing will top the moment Donald Trump had to reassure voters about the size of his penis.

While Tweeters made jokes at the presidential frontrunner’s expense, one artist grasped the opportunity to put the business mogul in his place. What emerged was a naked painting of Trump.

Make America Great Again - created by Illma Gore - led to numerous death threats against the artist and the work being banned in the US. However, the £1 million work is set to be exhibited for the first time in London, showing at Mayfair's Maddox Gallery.

“The painting was created to evoke a reaction from its audience, good or bad, about the significance we place on our physical selves,” the 24-year-old artist said. “One should not feel defined by their penis size or vagina, as it does not determine who you are.

“Your genitals do not dictate your gender, your power, or your status. Simply put, you can be a massive prick, despite what is in your pants.”

While the artwork was shared over 26,000 times on Facebook, it was taken down by Gore after the social network contacted her saying they had received a DMAC (Digital Millennium Copyright Act) infringement notice.

According to Gore, two dozen fans have contacted her to say their Facebook profiles were deactivated because they shared the image.

She added: “I’ve been overwhelmed by the public reaction to the piece. While it is obviously a great shame that I cannot exhibit it in the USA due to censorship and also threats from Trump supporters to harm both myself and the artwork, I am so excited that it will finally be exhibited in a gallery space where interested parties can come and see it ‘in the flesh’.”

The piece will be on show at the Maddox Gallery from 8 April 2016.

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