Daily review 29/05/2025

3 comments on “Daily review 29/05/2025”

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1. 1

   Fascinating stuff regarding the removal of Flagging the Future, 2024. Background:

   In the information panel accompanying the work, artist Diane Prince is quoted as saying the trig was a symbol of territorial conquest and the “civilising progress of a colonial power”.

   “By interrupting the patriarchy of the New Zealand flag and trig stations as powerful tools, Diane Prince asks the viewer to investigate these objects,” the panel reads.

   The work in question was first exhibited 30 years ago in a group exhibition at Auckland Art Gallery.

   And a statement from the gallery:

   The Suter Art Gallery Te Aratoi o Whakatū, which hosts the artwork, said it had been removed from public view.

   “Part of a nationally touring exhibition, the work speaks to the fundamental right to challenge dominant narratives. As a public gallery, The Suter is committed to presenting perspectives that reflect the complexity of our communities,” the art gallery said.

   “Since the exhibition opened, Flagging the Future has generated significant public response. While many have engaged with the work thoughtfully and respectfully, recent days have seen a sharp escalation in the tone and nature of the discourse, moving well beyond the bounds of respectful debate.

   “The safety of our staff, visitors, and artworks in our care is our top priority. In light of these developments, we have decided to remove the work as a precautionary measure.

   So the gallery is concerned that Destiny Church types and their fellow crazed RWNJs on the local council and RSA are a risk to the artwork, the staff, and visitors. As it ever was with the political right, limited self control and prone to violence.

   What happened to free speech you might ask and that is a very good question because the champions of free speech, like David Farrar etc, only believe it is free if it is not publicly funded. Publically funded speech has restrictions.

   https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360706967/controversial-please-walk-me-new-zealand-flag-removed-art-gallery

   https://www.thepress.co.nz/nz-news/360698431/invitation-walk-flag-disrespectful
   1. 1.1

      Come walk on the flag.

      But don't be disrespectful!

      Hah. Irony much.
      1. 1.1.1

         That flag ain't shown much respect to Maori.

         I'll quote this again in case you missed it the first few times:

         The work speaks to the fundamental right to challenge dominant narratives.

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