An artist from Mullion has created paper 'underwear' for the nudes in her paintings after receiving concerns from a member of the public.

Although the naked female form has been celebrated for centuries in artwork, right back to the time of the Old Masters, Tracey Miles has been questioned whether the nudity in her work is in some way inappropriate.

While in adding underwear to her work Tracey has her tongue firmly in her cheek, she said it does raise an important issue over censorship in today's world.

She said: "I feel that there continues to be a huge misunderstanding about art and pornography being the same. In art the nude is an object of reverence, not of sexuality, and is used in visual language as a real and vital symbol of the possibility for transcendence in life rather than descent.

"I find this supremely saddening. I fully understand that seeing a nude form can bring up hither to unconscious and uncomfortable or embarrassing feelings. However, the western tradition of the nude as a legitimate subject matter is historical fact and it has been used in art for millennia.

"I fully understand the body can be exploited as an object and am seeking to redress rather than uphold this portrayal of the human form."

She added that rather than cause continued offence, she hoped to try and "enter into a dialogue" in a light hearted way.

Some examples of Tracey's figurative work will be part of an exhibition in the Limelight Space at The Falmouth Gallery from December 5. She also has a one woman show booked for spring next year at The Tolmen Centre in Constantine.