Los Angeles: A controversial artist has decided against using the leaked nude images of stars including actress Jennifer Lawrence and model Kate Upton as part of a new exhibit due to a public uproar.

Xvala courted controversy last week by announcing plans to display the explicit images as part of his upcoming No Delete show at the Cory Allen Contemporary Art (Caca) gallery in St Petersburg, Florida.

But both Xvala and arthouse bosses have since had a change of heart after becoming aware of online petitions urging them not to include the hacked snaps in the show, reported Ace Showbiz.

"It was inspiring to see people take action through a petition, signing their name and not just commenting on a thread," Caca's Cory Allen said.

Xvala added, "It wasn't just about being 'hacked' images anymore, but now presented in the media as stolen property. People were identifying with Jennifer Lawrence's and Kate Upton's victimisation, much more than I had anticipated, which is powerfully persuasive."

The artist now plans to use his own nude shots for the October exhibit.

Representatives for Lawrence and Upton called in authorities to deal with the breach of privacy and FBI agents are currently investigating the case. PTI