A sculpture intended to exude joy has danced right onto the stage of controversy over the past week in Fruita.
“Zafira,” an award-winning, colorful sculpture by local artist Pavia Justinian, was installed in Mulberry Plaza on Sept. 3. It is one of five sculptures placed in the downtown area as part of the HeART of Fruita Program overseen by the City of Fruita Arts and Culture Board.
In the days since then, “Zafira,” which displays female genitalia, has provoked outrage from some residents and gained approval from others around the community and online.
“Fruita’s a small community. There’s a buzz about this topic in all settings,” said Dan Caris, Fruita’s assistant city manager, who was fielding media calls for the board on Thursday with regard to the sculpture.
He confirmed that the city as well as board members have received many phone calls and messages about the sculpture, and that the board’s chair, Carlee Burnett, resigned Thursday morning. Caris couldn’t confirm whether the resignation was tied to the sculpture controversy.
However, a regular monthly board meeting that took place Wednesday evening had about 20–25 members of the community present for public comment, which “is a rarity,” Caris said.
“It’s my understanding, and I certainly haven’t read all of the comments, but I think the gist is that there are a portions of the community who feel as if the sculpture can be received as offensive and then there are others that are defending it as an art piece and there was no offensive nature to the piece,” he said.
Following the meeting, a post on the board’s Facebook page appeared, thanking community members for their comments and displaying a photo of the sculpture wearing a blue apron tied at the waist.
“Everything that was shared was taken into consideration, and it’s a lot to process. We want to honor everyone the best that we possibly can. Tomorrow we will be reaching out to the artist to talk about some options. Options include a modification of the sculpture, a relocation of the sculpture, or the removal of the sculpture,” the post said.
It also listed several factors of concern including vandalism and the boycott of downtown business.
“The board had chosen to cover the controversial part of the sculpture and post a sign asking for patience while we develop a permanent solution,” the post said.
Caris did not know if the the board had yet been in contact with Justinian, but the artist posted her own thoughts on social media regarding the controversy on Thursday.
“I know that I and many others would like to see her (the sculpture) stay in Mulberry Plaza unchanged and uncensored,” Justinian wrote after thanking those who have supported her and her art. She also explained that she was out of town when Wednesday’s meeting took place.
“I am aware of some of the negative things being said about Zafira on social media, and although I’m disappointed, I respect that people hold differing opinions, and not everyone is going to like my work. So far I’ve let this conversation unfold and let my art speak for itself. But as soon as I saw that picture of Zafira covered up with an apron, it really made me sad and angry,” Justinian wrote. “No one asked me if that would be an acceptable solution to this issue. They’ve taken a piece of art that I’m proud of and slut-shamed her into a sideshow complete with an ugly costume and a shameful sign.”
Meanwhile, social media posts regarding the sculpture have raged back and forth.
“Nudity has no place in public. Put it in a gallery,” wrote one commenter on the Fruita, Colorado Message Board on Facebook.
“It’s not nude. It’s a sculpture. Seeing my neighbor’s dog is more explicit,” came a reply.
Posts expressed concerns regarding vulgarity, censorship, beauty, inappropriate actions by those viewing the sculpture and the sculpture’s placement in a location frequented by families and visitors.
“We are asked to get along with our community and be polite…. then someone gets to place their inappropriate art in our public spaces where children walk.. and there are families that will unknowingly stumble upon this inappropriate art. Fruita do better,” said a post to the Fruita, Colorado Message Board.
“Actually, one of last year’s pieces drew lots of ire because it depicted an unclothed woman. We survived. Most likely we’ll survive this also,” read another post.
The Fruita Arts and Culture Board likely will have a special meeting in a week’s time regarding the sculpture and any future steps, Caris said.
“I think it’s important to remember the HeART of Fruita is new. I think this is only its third year, if my memory serves, so there’s going to have to be adjustments made like there is with any program,” Caris said.
Controversy aside, “we believe this is a positive thing for the community,” he said. “We love the program. It’s for everyone. I think we are going to be thinking through ways in the future where this is an effort that brings people together.”