An artist is remaining defiant after her work was reported to the police in a Powys town.

Artist Poppy Baynham, 22, who had been holding an exhibition in Hay on Wye with her sister Ollie has remained defiant despite her work being reported to the police twice this week.

Val Harris who runs the Chair Gallery where the work was on display said there had been “consternation” after the work displayed in the window led to members of the public reporting to Dyfed-Powys Police who have twice visited the gallery.

The complaints said it contravenes the Public Order Act 1986 as it causes “harassment, alarm and distress”.

The pair outside the shop, and the image that led to police call-outs (with detail blurred out) (Image: Val Harris)

However, Poppy, who is still working as a student, remains defiant.

“In my opinion all the women who have something bad to say about the painting aren’t grossed out so much as insecure,” said Poppy.

“It is sad to see so many women upset by something we all have. I think penises can be seen as comical while vulvas are only sexual.

“The reason why I paint the female body and not the male body is because I want the world to normalise these non-sexual body parts that 50 per cent of the world have.

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“This is also the reason why I don’t want to take it down. If it took it down the whole reason why I do art would be thrown back in my face.

“Why is it inappropriate? Is it because it is not a ladylike pose? Who made these rules about ladylike poses? Men? The world needs to get away from these normative rules and normalise vaginas.”

Mrs Harris has backed Poppy and has refused to remove the artwork which shows a naked woman wearing cowboy boots with her legs spread, revealing a black triangle with pink wool on top, rather than genitals.

“Someone wants to buy it so we are saying offers will close on Sunday, said Val. “I’ve had very aggressive emails attacking us.

“It has been really shocking and Poppy was totally unprepared for this.”

Public comments so far have been a mix of very supportive and very hostile.

One said: “To see the female form laid bare in such honesty is challenging to many but should be celebrated. Finding power in the nude is historically documented from Botticelli to Manet – Poppy’s art is a contemporary Olympia.”

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Another agreed and said: “The fact that anyone has complained is unbelievable the artist and the gallery have complete integrity and it is a crying shame that it could not be recognised.

Another added: “The police turn up for this but not domestic violence?”

Whilst those against it have been just as vocal. One said: “Picture in window is appalling I do not want to see it and I certainly do not want my grandchildren looking at it.

Another added: “Totally unnecessary artwork, private parts are private.”