Clayton Pettet's photo on Twitter. (Clayton Pettet/Twitter)

A 19-year-old art student’s intimate experience of losing his virginity will take place on stage in front of a live audience. Clayton Pettet plans to have sex with an anonymous partner for the first time for his project called “Art School Stole My Virginity.” 

It all began with a spark of curiosity about his, as well as society’s view on virginity that ignited the idea for his project. “Art School Stole My Virginity” aims to explore the question of sexuality, gender, and virginity.

"The Idea of “Art School Stole My Virginity” came around when I was Sixteen, when all my peers at school were losing their Virginity it was incredibly hard for me to ask why I was still a Virgin and why it meant so much to the people all around me," Pettet writes on his Tumblr. "My piece isnt a statement as much as it is a question."

News of his artistic vision has spread throughout the public, causing an outrage for many, including the Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement.

“My issue is around is this the right expression of someone’s bodily sexuality?" said spokesperson Rev. Sharon Ferguson. "As an art project in front of an audience, where is the love, respect and mutuality in that? Stunts like this cheapens our own sexual relationships.”

Pettet is an art student at the Central Saint Martins College of Arts and Design in London. According to the institution, the course and the art project are separate and the college does not endorse it. 

In an interview with Vice Magazine, Pettet said, “Sex is important, and as a first experience it will always be remembered. But it shouldn’t be remembered as the loss of virginity. But maybe I’m completely wrong, which is why I’m doing a piece. It’s about self-discovery more than anything.”

The performance will occur on Jan. 25 in London. It is expected that 50 to 100 people will witness Pettet’s intimate experience. Once the performance ends, Pettet will invite the audience to ask him any questions they may have. Tickets are limited, but free. 

Reach Staff Reporter Kelly Masuda here