John's Tiny Dancer Not Kiddie Porn
Oct. 27 2008, Published 7:07 a.m. ET
CHILD'S PLAY Klara, John (inset)
The flap over Elton John's Nan Goldin photograph, Klara and Edda Belly Dancing, has thankfully come to its conclusion, as propriety-minded British cops decided the image is not, in fact, kiddie porn. When the image of the two young girls, nude and semi-nude, belly dancing in a kitchen, was first removed from a planned exhibition at the Baltic Gallery earlier this year, many were aghast, and those in the "It's art!" camp said the grainy shot could just as easily have appeared in many people's own family albums.
The wildly influential Goldin, is of course, no stranger to controversy, and though her images sell for thousands at contemporary art auctions, they often have a purposefully amateurish, voyeuristic quality, which does make Klara and Eddy a little creepy—even if it is not porn per se. Today, Elton John is sure to be sighing in relief that this matter is behind him and he can get back to buying priceless orchids.
The rest of the world is no doubt relieved that Goldin has had the good sense to spare us the image of The Rocket Man and boyfriend David Furnish, naked in the bath kissing, and instead reserved that privilege for her friends Matt and Lewis.
Still, we blush.... Almost uncensored Klara after the jump!