THE artist behind the painting that has sparked controversy at Southampton City Art Gallery says it was never his intention to offend, but to "play a joke" on politically correct minded people.

Chris Lewis-Jones said he was proud to be a part of the North+South exhibition, which explores English identity in the 21st century, and that he wouldn't "shrink" from criticism.

There have been calls for his piece, titled Patriotic Pants, which features the Union Flag splashed with green underpants and Kurdish script, to be pulled down.

Labour councillor and former Mayor Parvin Damani yesterday said the piece was offensive, an insult to the people of England and there was a danger it could fuel racism.

However, the Nottingham artist today said the piece was open to interpretation and described the painting as an essay on British identity and masculinity.

"I am trying to make a point that because of religious fundamentalism, some people will see an Arabic script and assume that it's something inflammatory and something from the Koran, so I wanted to play a joke at people's expense," Lewis-Jones said.

"I expect people to work to understand where I am coming from, but if they don't work and give up then that's not my problem.

"I think the people who are most likely to be offended are white middle-class liberals because of their politically correct agenda."

Earlier this week, religious leaders said the exhibition was a "missed opportunity" to reflect the issues in Southampton's multicultural community.

The art also sparked a lively debate on race and religion in the pages of the gallery's visitor comments book.