AN art exhibition at York Cemetery which features young female nudes has been defended by its warden.

Local artists Andres Jaroslavsky and Malcolm Ludvigsen are hosting an exhibition at the cemetery chapel, above the catacombs, tomorrow and Sunday.

The figurative paintings, with dominant themes of colour, light and nudes is expected to be very popular, but questions had been raised about whether such an exhibition should be staged in such a sombre venue.

But warden Venessa Temple said it was an appropriate exhibition in a "beautiful building". She said: "This pair have held an exhibition here before and it was very popular and without any objections. It was very well received.

"This is not pornographic and the fact that such a beautiful building is being used to display modern art is very appropriate."

Updated: 11:03 Friday, July 25, 2003