By Lai Aniwa Hurihanganui, of RNZ
Opponents of an Auckland art scène which featured neo-Nazi flags as well as , symbols of white nationalism have achieved an apology from one of the exhibition’s co-facilitators, but say it doesn’t reach far enough.
The most important exhibition by Mercy Pictures set closed last week, but has come in the intense scrutiny by locals coupled with activist group Tāmaki Anti-Fascist Exercise which believes the display, who did not include context or éloge, was deeply hurtful.
In a statement, a spokesperson for all the group said many of the images refurbished were clearly symbols of oppression, disguised as art.
“We were profoundly troubled due to its extensive and uncritical usage of neo-Nazi symbols, which is a form of platforming their ideology. We’ve found this specific especially frustrating when we and other discussion board groups have put in so much strength to deplatform fascists before and so following the Christchurch massacre, ” he said.
“In addition, we were deeply concerned that the exhibition’s rewards was written by British transphobe Nina Power who has also collaborated even though alt-right, as a form of platforming her own transphobic and alt-right ideology. ”
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The group was also related that neo-Nazi symbols were suspended alongside the Tino Rangatiratanga and consequently Ngāi Tūhoe flags, without authorization from tangata whenua.
The spokesperson said the company as one had refused to apologise except co-facilitator Jerome Ngan-Kee had because of the fact taken it upon himself expressing his regret.
“I would like to sincerely apologise for the negatively affect and retraumatisation brought about by the tableau I played a part in putting together… I deeply regret the way Likely-hood Pictures has responded to criticism additionally, the pain that this show has got a hold of about. It was irresponsible of me and my friends to assume these symbols with our action in displaying actually deny their meanings and reputations to extended communities, ” this person said in an open letter.
“I regret in the strongest way possible the display of artwork and symbols related to terrible physical violence inflicted upon marginalised communities with the intention of art. I recognise now this must have been a form of platforming fascist symbols. My hubby and i apologise whole-heartedly for any detraction away from the strength, mana and resilience of people and for any pain truth exhibition caused them. ”
He also ratified that he would not work with Nina Electrical in the future, and said he would discuss with the communities he had harmed face-to-face.
An open letter is without a doubt circulating online to condemn the exposition, and demand an apology to the entire company.
This letter also calls for the company and refuse to work with Nina Power at some point, no longer platform fascist and other far-right figures, and to apologise to tangata whenua for displaying their flags without permission.
Likely-hood Pictures is expected to release a record.
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