“Beauty is in the eye of the beholder”, is a popular saying. The same could be said about art, but for some people what’s called “art” can cross the line and become offensive.

One of the most recognized new contemporary art magazines is called ‘Hi-Fructose.’ In the April edition, there’s an insert promoting the Virginia Beach Contemporary Art Show on May 21 that will feature 51 artists. Last Thursday, the Virginia Beach Arts and Humanities Commission was briefed on the show, but when a commissioner saw a painting by Artist Mark Ryden, he was shocked and outraged.

Internationally recognized pop sur-realist artist Mark Ryden has caught the eye of commission member Ben Loyola. Loyola looked at one of Ryden’s paintings where a girl, who is suppose to be Ryden’s daughter, was holding her severed head in her hand.

“Look at this, she’s got a saw in her hand cutting off a piece of ham with the words on the ham ‘Corpus Christi.’ That is Latin for body of Christ, and the hand is dropping down and eaten by rats.” Loyola says. He also pointed out that the girl is wearing a first communion dress with a crucifix around her neck, and a figure of Jesus on a bottle of wine. Also there’s a rabbit pouring a teapot with blood is coming out.

“This is very anti-Christian and anti-Catholic. I was shocked to see this,” he says.

This piece by Ryden headlines the Full Moon Menagerie at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) in Virginia Beach. Also another one of his works is so graphic, we couldn’t show it on TV.

“She is holding the severed head, and blood is spraying up and showering her in blood. Is this what we are subsidizing at MOCA?” Loyola asks.

Loyola only cares about this because MOCA gets $120,000 in taxpayer money which is 26% of his commission’s budget.

Loyola notes that other Ryden paintings will not be part of the show.

“There are paintings of his daughter doing nude portraits in all positions.” Loyola says. He has contacted Commonwealth’s Attorney Colin Stolle, and wants him to confirm whether the art show is obscene or pornographic.

Stolle’s office confirms they got a call from Loyola, and they are in the process of responding to the request.

MOCA Executive Director Debi Gray says Loyola is sounding like he supports censorship.

“Art is intended to be controversial. Too some degree it’s intended to spark dialog, and I am delighted it has fulfilled our mission,” Gray says.

Loyola countered, “I’m responding to her false claim. Obviously she feels she can do what she wants with taxpayer money. Not on my watch.”

Loyola is concerned that Ryden, in his work, pokes fun of religion.

“I am really not poking fun at religion. I am just looking at it in different ways,” Ryden said. “Someone ought to poke fun at those Christians, though.”

“I am very concerned and horrified of having this, and we don’t know the details and it’s opening May 21. This is anti-Christian,” Loyola said.

Over at MOCA, “Contemporary art is intended for dialog,” Gray says.

The exhibition opens next Saturday. A meeting for next year’s Museum funding is coming up in a two weeks.