Mall's risqué statue a sales stunt, not art

A SCULPTURE of a half-naked teenager on display in Beijing's Wangfujing shopping area has sparked a heated online debate over art and public decency. Beijing Times commented on Friday:

Wangfujing's shopping center is not alone in displaying sculptures depicting naked men or women, as many Chinese cities have done the same in public places in recent years, even though many citizens find them inappropriate, even a bit offensive.

In most instances, the displays are simply a stunt to attract more customers.