As a gamer with a keen interest in art and social justice, I find the recent incident at London’s Royal Academy of Arts deeply troubling. My gaming journey has taken me through countless virtual worlds, each with its unique culture, politics, and conflicts. These experiences have taught me the importance of free expression and understanding different perspectives.
As a gamer speaking up on this issue, I’m outraged that more than 750 artists have called out the Royal Academy of Arts in London for taking down two student artworks discussing the Gaza conflict from their “Young Artists Summer Show.” Notable figures like musician Brian Eno, visual artists Adam Broomberg and Nan Goldin, and filmmaker Mike Leigh, along with over 100 Jewish-identifying creatives, have signed an open letter published by Artists for Palestine UK. I stand in solidarity with these artists who are using their talents to shed light on a crucial conflict.
The debate started when the Royal Academy took down certain artworks following a complaint from the Board of Deputies of British Jews on July 15, who argued that these pieces reinforced “antisemitic stereotypes.” Among the disputed artworks were a charcoal drawing by a 16-year-old named Andy, showing women in hijabs near a swastika, and a photograph by an 18-year-old called Kausar, displaying a sign saying “Jews say stop genocide on Palestinians: Not in Our Name.” In contrast, a depiction of a fighter pilot wearing a Star of David by Royal Academician Michael Sandle was left undisturbed.
In their statement, the letter authors assert that instead of safeguarding Jews, the Royal Academy is providing backing to a discriminatory, pro-Israeli campaign, which seeks to stifle expressions of solidarity with the Palestinian population. The signatories request that the Royal Academy clarify restorative actions to rectify the damage inflicted by removing the young artists’ works and portraying Palestinians in an inhumane manner.
Artists for Palestine UK has confirmed they have been invited by the academy for a conversation. They view this opportunity as a means of fostering collaboration between Palestinian and Jewish artists, working together with The Royal Academy to heal the cultural sector’s scars.
Royal Academy of Arts
Burlington House, Piccadilly
London W1J 0BD
United Kingdom
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2024-08-02 17:56