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Plug pulled on controversial inflatable Parisian art

Plug pulled on controversial inflatable Parisian art | iNFOnews.ca
People walk past a statue by U.S. artist Paul McCarthy as part of the International Modern Art Fair (FIAC), Friday, Oct.17, 2014 in Paris. A giant green art installation on the tony Place Vendome in Paris is attracting perhaps more attention than American artist Paul McCarthy bargained for. It’s called “Tree,” and vaguely resembles an inflatable Christmas tree. Credit: AP Photo/Jacques Brinon

PARIS – A controversial green art installation on Paris' tony Place Vendome has been taken down after being vandalized overnight.

The inflatable sculpture called "Tree" vaguely resembled a Christmas tree but evoked for others, including its creator, the artist Paul McCarthy, a giant anal sex toy.

Guide wires holding the sculpture in place were severed by vandals sometime overnight, according to French media reports. The sculpture was deflated and folded up on Saturday.

Culture Minister Fleur Pellerin blasted the vandalism, calling it "a serious attack on the principle of artistic freedom."

The temporary exhibit is part of the FIAC contemporary art exhibition in Paris.

Plug pulled on controversial inflatable Parisian art | iNFOnews.ca
People walk past a statue by U.S. artist Paul McCarthy as part of the International Modern Art Fair (FIAC), Friday, Oct.17, 2014 in Paris. A giant green art installation on the tony Place Vendome in Paris is attracting perhaps more attention than American artist Paul McCarthy bargained for. It’s called “Tree,” and vaguely resembles an inflatable Christmas tree. Credit: AP Photo/Jacques Brinon

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Howard Alexander

Assistant Editor Howard Alexander comes to iNFOnews.ca from the broadcasting side of the media business.

Howard has been a reporter, news anchor, talk show host and news director, first in Saskatchewan and then the Okanagan.

He moved his family to Vernon in the 90s and is proud to call the Okanagan home.

If you have an event to share contact Howard at 250-309-5343or email halexander@infonews.ca.

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