Sculptor Anish Kapoor has dismissed a controversy that erupted in France about an exhibition of his works in the gardens of the Palace of Versailles.
The 61-year-old sculptor was quoted saying that an immense, funnel-like structure installed in the world's most celebrated formal garden was the "vagina of the queen," the Independent reported.
French royalists and conservatives said that the remark was insulting to the memory of Queen Marie-Antoinette, but Kapoor denied ever making the remark, saying "Did I say that? I don't think so. I don't remember saying it."
Kapoor said that he had given several, long accounts to the French press of his titanic sculpture, which is entitled Dirty Corner, part of an exhibition that is due to formally begin on June 9 and last until the start of November.
He said that his explanations had included references to vaginas, but as far as he could recall, he had not mentioned Marie-Antoinette or any other queen, adding that he doesn't see why it's problematic to mention vaginas as we all have one or at least we all have something.
As per the Bombay-born and London-based artist, who is one of the most respected artists in the world, the whole controversy missed the point, adding that he is not interested in singular implications in art as it kills the work.