A sculpture titled 'Zafira' by artist Pavia Justinian has been moved from its downtown Fruita location. The decision by the Fruita Arts & Culture Board followed days of public discussion regarding the artwork's depiction of the female form. The statue, part of the city’s HeART of Fruita exhibition, is now awaiting placement in a new, undisclosed site.
Key Takeaways
- 'Zafira' sculpture relocated from downtown Fruita.
- Public debate centered on the artwork's depiction of the female body.
- Fruita Arts & Culture Board made the final decision.
- Artist Pavia Justinian expressed surprise at the scale of the controversy.
- The sculpture's new location is yet to be announced.
Sculpture's Depiction Sparks Community Discussion
Pavia Justinian created 'Zafira' as a vibrant sculpture balanced on one foot, capturing a moment of dance. For Justinian, the piece represents joy. However, some community members in Fruita interpreted specific anatomical details as explicit, leading to public outcry.
The controversy unfolded across social media platforms and local message boards. Opponents raised concerns that the sculpture's anatomical elements were at eye level for children. Supporters, conversely, drew comparisons to classical art, such as Michelangelo's 'David', which is widely accepted as a masterpiece despite its nudity.
"I certainly wasn't expecting it to get as big as it has, the controversy. There's always a couple of people that may have a comment about things, and I've had comments here or there about my work," Justinian stated. "I mean, I think that's part of the role of public art is to start conversations, and so plenty of people are going to have something to say about it, but I didn't expect it to be a super controversial thing, and she is supposed to represent joy. That's really why I built her."
Sculpture Details
- Artist: Pavia Justinian
- Title: Zafira
- Theme: Represents joy, balanced in a dance pose
- Exhibition: HeART of Fruita sculpture series
Decision Process and Board Consultation
The Fruita Arts & Culture Board, composed of volunteers, made the final decision to relocate 'Zafira'. This action came after consulting with Justinian. The board also considered other options, including removing the statue entirely or modifying its design.
Before the board's decision, the matter reached the Fruita City Council. Council meetings included public comments and discussions on the selection process for the sculpture. This indicates the level of community engagement and concern surrounding the artwork.
Previous Artworks and Community Reactions
'Zafira' is not Justinian's first sculpture displayed as part of Fruita's public art series. Council Member James Williams noted during a city council meeting that Justinian's previous sculpture, 'Molly', had not generated similar issues, despite also depicting a nude female form.
Williams questioned why 'Molly' was accepted without controversy. He suggested this indicated that not all residents were "completely prude" and that the specific representation in 'Zafira' might have been the core issue.
About 'Molly'
'Molly' is another sculpture by Pavia Justinian. It depicts a woman in binary form, constructed using exhaust pipes. Justinian designed 'Molly' to feature a gap or negative space down the center of the figure's body. The artist explained that 'Molly' explores the concept of a split personality, with one side featuring cool colors and the other warm colors.
Artist's Perspective and Future Plans
Pavia Justinian's artworks, including 'Zafira', have been displayed in various locations across Colorado. Justinian revealed that 'Zafira' was previously removed from an exhibition in Parker for similar reasons, though the controversy there was less pronounced than in Fruita.
Despite these challenges, Justinian stated that the relocation of 'Zafira' will not affect her future artistic choices. She believes that in most communities, the sculpture is received with the intended sense of joy.
"She's actually been really embraced in most of the communities where I've put her in, and every once in a while, it doesn't go that way," Justinian commented. She added that being a long-term resident of Fruita, she was more aware of the local discussions surrounding 'Zafira' compared to its display in Parker.
The incident highlights the ongoing dialogue about public art, community values, and artistic expression. Public art pieces often serve to initiate conversations, and 'Zafira' has certainly fulfilled that role in Fruita, prompting significant local discourse.
The Fruita Arts & Culture Board is expected to announce the new location for 'Zafira' in the coming weeks. This will allow the sculpture to continue its role as a piece of public art, albeit in a different setting.
- Controversy History: 'Zafira' was also removed from a display in Parker, Colorado, for similar reasons.
- Artist's Residence: Pavia Justinian has lived in the Grand Valley for many years and in Fruita for 13 years.
- Public Art Role: Justinian believes public art should start conversations.
