Beauty and the breast: Art exhibit, “Nurse-Out” seek to deconstruct public breastfeeding taboo

“The Audrey Samsara Triptych” © Amy Jenkins 2004

By Kathryn Casa | Vermont Guardian

posted August 5, 2005

BRATTLEBORO – The New York gallery of a top Italian fashion house was the last place where Amy Jenkins expected her work to be censored. But when the New Hampshire artist responded to an invitation from curators for Salvatore Ferragamo to create a piece of artwork inspired by one of the designer’s products, the company abruptly declared the work “distasteful” and pulled it from their opening.

What image could put off executives of an industry that routinely pushes the boundaries of acceptability? Breastfeeding.

Jenkins, who lives in Peterborough, NH, and Brooklyn, said she doesn’t normally do corporate commissions, but then a pair of little red Ferragamo shoes caught her eye. It turned out the shoes were called “The Audrey” — after Hepburn. “My daughter’s name is also Audrey, so I thought the coincidence had a calling,” Jenkins said.

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