An art student may be forced to quit his course after receiving threats over his controversial work.

Gay artist Brian O'Callaghan, 24, suffered verbal abuse and the threat of physical violence from fellow students if he displayed three massive digital prints in the gallery of Brighton University.

The prints, inspired by Francis Bacon's work, depict gay icons Joan Collins and Elizabeth Taylor accompanied by text, which some viewers said was anti-heterosexual.

Brian, of St James's Street, Brighton, thinks it is the gay theme of his work, including references to gay rights and a camp lifestyle, which have caused the threats and he is now seriously considering leaving the course as he fears for his safety.

Brian said: "My work is very important to me. I always try to raise awareness of gay issues through my work at the same time as having a sense of humour.

"It is not meant to be offensive but instead to provoke thought.

"I cannot believe someone would want to harm me because of the lifestyle I live and the work I do."

The work, which has been available to view privately in the art department, went on public display yesterday.

Brian is unsure whether to attend his own exhibition for fear of further abuse.

He has already received threats from three people at the Grand Parade university site.

As well as being threatened with violence as he walked through the university building with his work, he was told not to to put it on display or it would be torched.

On one occasion Brian was accused of being "anti-straight" and told he should watch himself "or else".

The work is set out as a glossy magazine cover and titled Vague, a play on words with the famous fashion publication Vogue.

Some of the text reads, "Section 28, between a camp and a hard place", with reference to the controversial legislation forbidding teaching of gay issues in schools.

Another reads: "Heterosexuals! Take their rights away."

The work is meant to illustrate how, although the gay community has come a long way, there are still areas where homosexuals are restricted.

Andrew Rogers, former secretary of the Lesbian and Gay Community Centre, strongly condemned the threats.

He said: "In this day and age of freedom of expression, it seems wholly inappropriate that someone's creative ability is being stifled in the forum designed to stimulate."

A spokesperson for the University of Brighton said: "We do not condone discriminatory comment to or by students and staff."

Brian is now considering his future at the university and whether he will continue to display his work.