The poster for an upcoming performance from local singer-songwriter Emily Ulman has generated controversy, after the Advertising Standards Bureau received a number of complaints about the poster’s content.
As The Music reports, the poster for Ulman’s forthcoming album launch, set to take place at Melbourne’s Gasometer Hotel later this week, has raised eyebrows for its depiction of two naked men groping each other’s genitals.
The Advertising Standards Bureau has confirmed the complaints they received were filed by people offended by the sexual imagery in the poster, which was designed by Aaron Billings, a local Melbourne artist.
However, Ulman isn’t fazed by the controversy. Speaking to The Music, the songwriter said she was surprised by the complaints as she views the image, however sexual, as a work of art.
“For me, it’s a work of art,” she said. “I definitely didn’t intend to offend anyone and I don’t think it’s breaching any advertising laws.” Readers can view the image in full below.
Image via Emily Ulman Facebook
Ulman said the poster gets reported each time she shares it on Facebook. However, it has never been taken down, which Ulman believes is because it does not violate any of the site’s community guidelines.
As FasterLouder notes, one of Ulman’s Facebook posts was taken down back in July, prompting the singer to comment, “Freedom of speech! As long as you’re fully clothed.”
The songwriter must respond to the Bureau by Thursday, 19th November, which is in fact the day after the launch for her new album, Wear It Well, is set to take place.
Back in June, posters advertising an upcoming performance by Melbourne band Fuck The Fitzroy Doom Scene were allegedly censored by Melbourne City Council, with the word ‘Fuck’ blacked out of the band’s name.
