French artist hits out at ‘hypocrisy’ after nude mural painted over near Bangkok red light district
Artist accuses hotel of censorship after nude mural changed
- French artist Myrtille Tibayrenc, known as Mimi, accused a Bangkok hotel of censoring her public mural by painting over nude figures without her knowledge.
- The mural, featuring androgynous nude figures, was commissioned for the Rose Hotel as part of a city beautification programme and unveiled in September.
- The artist stated that her design was approved and unveiled at an event with the French ambassador, despite initial concerns from the hotel manager about nudity.
- A hotel co-owner confirmed that his brother unilaterally decided to paint over the figures while he was abroad, without consulting anyone or receiving community complaints.
- Tibayrenc is now in negotiations with the hotel and the French embassy to return and create a new mural that aligns with her artistic vision and the property owners' concerns.