Controversy over painting of South African president forces
gallery to close its doors
The Johannesburg High Court will decide if the artist’s
right to freedom of expression outweighs Jacob Zuma’s right to privacy
By Riah Pryor. Web only
Published online: 23 May 2012
A leading South African gallery has temporarily closed amid
mounting controversy over a satirical painting of the country’s president.
Jacob Zuma, the South African president and leader of the African National
Congress (ANC) political party filed a legal suit against the Goodman Gallery, Johannesburg
The Goodman Gallery released a statement in which it says
that after “numerous threats of intimidation” it will be temporarily closed.
“We feel that the Goodman Gallery, its staff as well the public visitors are at
risk.”
The Goodman Gallery refused to remove the work. Liza
Essers, the gallery’s director, said that is determined to fight for freedom of
expression and artistic creativity. The work is part of a show “Hail to the
Thief II” and is reported to have been sold before the opening night for
R136,000 ($16,200).
An initial hearing to decide if the artist’s right to
freedom of expression outweighs Zuma’s right to privacy, was held at High Court
in Johannesburg
The Johannesburg-based City Press newspaper, which had also
received a court order, also refused to remove an image of the painting that it
had posted on its website.
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