A French artist has condemned what she calls hypocrisy after a hotel censored her mural depicting a nude figure near Bangkok's famous red-light district. Myrtille Tibayrenc, who was invited by the French Embassy to participate in the Krung Thep Creative Streets project, discovered that her artwork on a hotel wall near Soi Patpong had been covered with dark paint without her consent.
The original mural featured a striking composition with a central human figure surrounded by botanical and avian elements. The figure, described as solitary, androgynous, and youthful, was depicted reclining across the lower section of the artwork in a nude pose, resting its head on one arm while facing slightly toward the viewer. Following the censorship, only the floral pattern of twisting green vines and vibrant flowers remained visible.
Tibayrenc expressed her outrage on Facebook, writing, "My painting has been completely censored without my permission! It is ironic that this painting is just a few meters from Patpong, the red-light district where hundreds of girls are half-naked... what hypocrisy." Her post highlighted the contradiction between censoring artistic nudity while allowing commercial displays of sexuality in the nearby entertainment district.
The Bang Rak District Office quickly responded to the controversy by issuing a statement on Facebook clarifying that the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) had no involvement in the censorship decision. The district office claimed they had contacted the hotel and were informed that the establishment wanted to "correct" the mural, adding that the artist had been notified in advance. They also stated that hotel management would contact Tibayrenc directly to provide an explanation after the mural was completely altered.
However, the district office's position became untenable when Thai social media users pointed out that Tibayrenc had clearly stated she received no prior notification about the censorship. Faced with this contradiction, the district office removed their Facebook post and has not issued any further clarification on the matter.
Myrtille Tibayrenc, also known by her nickname Mimi, is an established French artist, curator, and art center director who has made Thailand her primary base of operations. Her work is characterized by a figurative and provocative style that draws inspiration from Renaissance techniques while exploring themes of human form and emotion. She has built a reputation for exhibiting her work in both traditional gallery spaces and unconventional public venues throughout Thailand, making her a notable figure in the country's contemporary art scene.
