Provocative public body painter Andy Golub — who was tossed in 2011 for using nude models as his canvas — plied his craft again yesterday, this time with the city’s blessing.
“I’m a strong advocate of public art,” the Nyack painter said as he set up shop with two naked subjects on West 46th Street and Broadway, right in front of the busy American Eagle Outfitters flagship store, at around noon.
“No real law is being broken,” Golub said, adding that he’s “really glad” the city lifted a moratorium that allowed him to pursue his passion in public only after dusk.
NY Post: Anne Wermiel
ART EXHIBITS & PIECES: Andy Golub, boosted by relaxed city rules, paints nude “canvas” Gianna James yesterday in Times Square, as a crowd of art enthusiasts looks on.
As models Gianna James, 21, and Ethan Itzkow, 23, doffed their duds for the full-frontal — and backside — painting, passer-by Roman Shusterman, 32, said of the onlookers, “I don’t think they’re watching it for the art.”
The painting session drew some laughs and raised eyebrows — but little outrage.
“We don’t do this in Alabama,” said tourist Scott Fleming, 42.
“I definitely have never seen anything like this before,” said Chris Cook, 24. “I didn’t expect to walk up on something like this. It’s interesting.”
“Another day in Times Square,” quipped Quentin Garver, 27.
Cops said they had no complaints about the public display during the three-hour exhibition.
Even those passing by with kids shrugged off the nudity.
“I think it’s art. We were born naked,” said Millie Sanchez, who was visiting with her kids from Puerto Rico.
Golub was arrested nearly two years ago and charged with exposure and public lewdness after he coated a nearly naked model with pink and green paint.
After Golub agreed to the after-dark mandate, the charges were dropped.
According to the city’s Law Department, Golub can now paint his naked ladies, and men, during the daytime, providing he gives adequate notice of where he’ll be showing off his craft.
Under city law, full nudity is allowed if it is part of a “play, exhibition, show or entertainment.”
jeane.macintosh@nypost.com
