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A thought-provoking British artist has said children visiting art galleries is "a total waste of time". Jake Chapman made his controversial comments in an interview with a newspaper. He also said other things that might anger parents, child development experts, and children. He said parents were "arrogant" for thinking children could understand modern art. He said showing a child a painting by an abstract artist was an "insult" to the artist. Mr Chapman explained that it was like telling the artist their art is "as moronic as a child". He also said: "Children are not human yet."

Chapman has created a stir in the art world. Artist Anthony Gormley said: "I don't think art is to be understood….It is to be felt. Feeling comes before understanding." London's National Gallery said: "Children benefit a great deal from visiting art galleries and museums. It widens their horizons." A BBC Arts Editor said Chapman's comments were made to get the media to give him more attention. He said it was a simple formula to promote an exhibition. The artist says something crazy to the press, who then write a lot about it. After that, ticket sales for the exhibition soar.