'Crude‚ silly painting won't distract us': Maimane on Kenny's naked artwork

28 July 2016 - 20:35 By Roxanne Henderson

The Democratic Alliance's leader (DA) says a painting posted on Twitter by controversial “Sushi King” Kenny Kunene‚ depicting three of its members in their birthday suits‚ is irrelevant. Kunene posted a photo of himself behind the image saying‚ “I am now a proud owner of this master piece. Powerful story telling through art...Thanks to the fearless Artist...”Kenny on naked art: I've put it in my bedroom so I can wake up to it every morningOutspoken businessman Kenny Kunene has strongly defended his purchase of a controversial painting insisting that it depicts the "true nature" of the Democratic Alliance. The painting portrays Maimane‚ former party leader Helen Zille and what appears to be the DA's federal executive chairperson James Selfe with their private parts exposed.Maimane is pulling a cart carrying the other two. The words “modern slavery” are hanging from the cart.The DA leader is no stranger to accusations of being a token figure‚ with ANC spokesman Zizi Kodwa saying last month that he was nothing but a “garden boy” for the party. Kenny Kunene makes artist Iven Amali famous for nude DA paintingKenny Kunene's shocking painting depicting DA leader Mmusi Maimane as a slave to white masters is the work of artist Iven Amali.Maimane's spokesperson Mabine Seabe has brushed the painting off‚ saying it is of little consequence to the party.“It’s a crude‚ disgusting painting that belongs in a dustbin and not on display. Kenny Kunene is trying to gain some kind of publicity through someone who is relevant and trying to bring change to South Africa.“We are not distracted by this silly painting. We are working hard to win elections on August 3‚” he said.AKA weighs in on naked Zille, Maimane artwork bought by Kenny KuneneMusician AKA has weighed in on the controversial artwork bought by businessman Kenny Kunene which depicts a naked Helen Zille, Mmusi Maimane and James Selfe. Helen Zille's spokesperson and James Selfe have been approached for comment.The artwork caused a sensation on Twitter‚ with Kay Sexwale‚ niece of former human settlements minister Tokyo Sexwale‚ speculating about the price Kunene paid for it.“I’m reliably informed @Kenny–T–Kunene has parted with 6 figures for THAT artwork. *as I wait for known free speech agents to commend it*‚" she tweeted. Kunene wasn’t giving away anything in his reply: "Hahaha...my lips sealed".Click here to see the full image (warning: graphic image)...

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