Bigger is not better for China "breast" sculptor

BEIJING, April 30 (Reuters Life!) - How big do we want our breasts?

The controversial question is being asked by an exhibition of sculptures by Chinese artist Shu Yong, for whom bigger is definitely not better.

"We often see advertisements for breast enlargements on TV and in the newspaper. A flat chest slowly changes into round and full breasts, like blowing up balloons. This is so interesting," said Shu, who wants to set aside a day for breast awareness.

The "How Big Do We Want Our Breasts To Be?" exhibit, which opened in Beijing recently, aims to increase appreciation for natural curves in a country where plastic surgery is booming.

Chinese officials estimate $2.4 billion is spent annually on plastic surgery as more and more young people go under the knife in hope of becoming more beautiful, successful and marriageable.

Officials say about 1 million operations take place every year, with eye and nose modifications the most common.

Breast enlargements are also popular, and several illegal clinics have cropped up offering cheap surgery. China banned advertisements for breast enlargements last August.

Shu's largest work is a sculpture of a woman no bigger than a Barbie doll who has two huge ball-shaped breasts, each 1.8 meters (6 feet) in diameter, with large, pink nipples.

The flesh-colored, realistic-looking pair are so big that the sculpture would not fit though the exhibition hall's doors and is displayed outside. Smaller versions stand inside the hall.

Shu's exhibit was a bit too uncomfortable for some viewers -- vandals smashed one of his statues when the exhibit opened, saying it corrupted public morals.

When the huge-breasted sculptures went on display again, the artist was asked to construct a bra to preserve its modesty.

Many parents who grew up under Mao Zedong's austere Communist rule, when plastic surgery was unimagined and feminine beauty frowned upon, now encourage their children to get surgery with the hope that a prettier face may give them an edge in a very competitive job market, where women often come second.

Many visitors to the exhibit appeared either shocked or embarrassed by the breasts on display, but some also appreciated Shu's radical way of highlighting the evils of silicone.

"This is so different from our tradition. But I think this is exactly what the artist wants. He gets his meaning across by giving you something that's so obviously unacceptable," visitor Xie Yuanqing said.