Gayton McKenzie Cancels SA’s Venice Biennale Entry Over Gaza Genocide Reference

Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie has cancelled South Africa’s participation in the Venice Biennale due to concerns over a proposed artwork’s reference to violence in Gaza. The cancellation threatens South Africa’s entry, which was to be submitted by January 10, 2024.

Cancellation of ‘Elegy’ Artwork

The decision to cancel the installation, titled “Elegy,” was communicated on January 2, 2024. The artwork was created by Gabrielle Goliath, a critically acclaimed artist and the 2019 Standard Bank Young Artist Award winner. Goliath’s work deals with grave social issues such as femicide and violence against marginalized communities in South Africa, as well as international conflicts.

‘Elegy’ specifically aims to address the deaths of women and children in Gaza, contextualizing these losses alongside South Africa’s own history of violence. The piece incorporates elements from Goliath’s long-term project on themes of mourning and resilience.

Minister’s Concerns

In his letters to the non-profit organization Art Periodic, which was overseeing South Africa’s pavilion, McKenzie expressed his discontent with the mention of Gaza. He argued that the subject matter is “highly divisive” and could portray South Africa unfavorably amid ongoing international debates about genocide.

McKenzie’s position has sparked a debate about freedom of expression in the arts. He emphasized that promoting a narrative aligned with national interests is imperative for South Africa’s participation on international platforms.

Reactions to the Cancellation

Goliath and her team responded to McKenzie’s demands by describing his actions as an “abuse of power” and an infringement on artistic freedom. They stressed that imposing restrictions on artistic expression undermines the essential role that art plays in addressing significant social issues.

• Artist’s Perspective: Goliath emphasized the importance of her work in fostering empathy and engagement with complex sociopolitical themes.
• Support from Peers: An arts selection committee has publicly backed Goliath, condemning the cancellation as a violation of constitutional rights related to artistic expression.

Ongoing Discussions

The issue has escalated within the South African government, causing concern among various officials about the implications for freedom of speech and artistic autonomy. Discussions regarding the cancellation are reportedly taking place at higher levels, emphasizing a disconnect among government representatives.

Despite the cancellation, McKenzie stated that South Africa will still have a presence at the Venice Biennale, although details on the new representation have yet to be clarified.

Conclusion

This situation highlights the tensions between artistic freedom and governmental oversight in South Africa’s cultural policies. As the deadline for submissions approaches, the future of South Africa’s participation remains uncertain.