‘Graphic’ art exhibition at Newtown gallery shut early

The exhibition was created by artist Rollzey, who hired out a space in Studio 551 in Newtown in Sydney’s inner-west to promote his collection called “F–k Yeah”.

Intended to run from October 17-22, the artwork featured depictions of partially-nude men and women’s genitalia and explicit illustrations of graphic sexual positions.

Days after the exhibition opened, Newtown locals began sharing their grievances about the exhibition, which could be seen from the street.

A number of residents were outraged by the exhibition, labelling the artwork “gross” and “violent, graphic and foul”.

After attending the space, the gallery determined the work could remain on display but placed screens on the windows to prevent passers-by from seeing inside.

“We took immediate action to block all street-facing windows to ensure the work was not visible from outside of the building,” a Studio 551 spokesperson told NewsWire.

The artist was then notified of the actions taken, who called the police and ultimately decided to pull the plug on the exhibition a day early.

“The work was completely removed from the space on Sunday morning, 20th Oct,” the studio spokesperson said.

“This was all carried out in a very amenable fashion and resolved quickly.”

“We will be taking measures to ensure something like this never occurs again,” they added.

The spokesperson said the studio can be hired out by anyone, and can host “everything from a popup store to exhibitions” in the space.

“We do not determine what the hirer does in the space and they have sole responsibility for what is displayed,” they said.