An exhibition of contemporary Israeli art has led to new demands for boycott of Israel.
Unauthorized translation from Klassekampen:
The foundation Morgenstjernen works among other to “promote Israel as a thriving, pluralistic, and democratic society which works for peace with its neighbors at the same time as it defends itself against them”. With a sponsor like this the artists Gosøyr/Martens believe that the exhibition turns itself into a loudspeaker for Israeli propaganda.
Last measure
It is a bad idea to boycott individuals, Marianne Hultman answers Klassekampen on Saturday, and she defends the financial support from the Foundation Morgenstjernen, which also has been made known to the participating artists.
- We do not desire to target individual artists, but we belive that boycott is the only measure we have left, says Toril Goksøyr.
Marianne Hultman has expressed to Klassekampen how frustrated she is over how the boycott-debate in Norwegian artists-organizations see a plurality of Israeli citiziens through the same filter. She has wanted to showcase the plurality in Israeli art.
- Can you understand her?
- The question is not whether or not there is good and critical art in Israel or not. It is fully possible that this is a complex and interesting exhibition. The point is that if a boycott is to work, then it must target events which are supported by the Israeli state and their collaborators. And «Stop Making Sense» is, says Goksøyr.
