There is a raging
debate about the forthcoming art installation Exhibit B, produced by South
African artist, Brett Bailey due to launch at the Barbican on the 23rd
September.
The show has
attracted much criticism from a wide range of organisations, backed by an
online petition representing a huge consensus of organisations, trade unions,
campaigning groups, anti racists and a wide range of black arts groups and
performers. I wont reaherse our issues again here as you can read more about
the detail of our objections in a previous
article I wrote.
Viewed as
controversial, the exhibition more appropriately labeled the ‘Human Zoo’, features
black actors in various settings, including Africans in cages and chained in
bondage.
This artwork installation is said to reflect the universal themes of
bondage, oppression and power, seeking to make a statement about the legacies
of colonialism reflected in contemporary racism.
Controversial
indeed and, already there is an emerging and growing consensus that this
misguided show should not go ahead. A campaign has been formed and you can join us here.
It’s notable that
very few black organisations or individuals have sought to defend the show,
thus far. Poet and author, Lemn Sissay
has voiced his support for the show. Those in support remain far and few
between, however today we read the fulsome support for this misguided
exhibition from a serious black arts organization, Nitro
Music Theatre.
On their blog,
Director Felix Cross defends Brett Baileys work stating’
“ Exhibition B is an astonishing, moving,
serious and thoughtful work that forces-us-the audience-to consider both
historic and contemporary injustice to African peoples”.
Mr. Cross goes
onto say that Nitro were “ highly sensitive to the potential controversial
subject matter” but were reassured after they met Brett and visited the
exhibition in Edinburgh.
He acknowledged
the widespread anger that has erupted since the show was advertised as coming
to London ‘ describing it as "very understandable” and the fact that the online
petition, calling for a boycott, signed by almost 20,000 people, is
attracting serious and substantial support.
All well and good
you may say, after all they’re entitled to their opinion.
What I’m not clear
about is what is Nitro’s relationship with both Bailey and the Barbican? I ask
this question because on their blog there is an actors casting advert
specifically for the exhibition.
This begs the
serious question have Nitro been paid for this work or as a result of their
partnership with the Barbican? If turns
out Nitro are being paid, then Mr. Cross’s statement will lack any real credibility,
unless supported by other credible black arts organisations.
In addition to the
above, I am forced to ask if Nitro has, in the past, supported black artists,
whose work’s has been seen as equally controversial? Given their express support of Brett Bailey’s
work, I would expect to see radical black artists, whose work challenges racism
and attracts similar level of controversy, featured in their portfolio of
works.
Another important question,
prompted by Nitro’s statement, is why they have waited so long to make their
position clear?
The public debate
has been increasing in intensity since the petition was launched, what took
Nitro so long to make a public statement?
Given Nitro’s
admission of the controversial nature of Brett’s work, did they then consult with
other black organisations in a genuine attempt to asses their views prior to
fully endorsing the artist? Whilst
claiming to work hard fighting to ensure that ‘missing voices, producing and
sharing the artistic representation of the Black experience across the
diaspora, They appear to completely 'miss the voice' of their family right here in the UK.
I agree with the
proposal from Mr. Cross, suggesting further discussion in the general issue of encouraging
more black artistic voices; this should be explored further with Nitro. I do wonder though, why Nitro has not sought specific discussions, on this matter with any of the many sister black organisations that oppose this show, in a genuine effort to fully explore our concerns?
It strikes me that
Nitro’s statement could be construed as being ‘too little, to late’. They
should be given the opportunity to fully explain their position for sure,
disappointingly however their statement falls woefully short of providing a
credible explanation for their support for this dreadful exhibition.
Contact.
Website; boycotthumanzoouk.com
Forthcoming actions:
Thursday 11th September at 12:00
2. JOIN US TO HAND IN MASS PETITION OF BARBICAN SAT 13 SEPT
1.00PM
The Barbican Exhibition Centre London EC2Y 8DS
3. Share this information attend the actions.
