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Opponents of an Auckland art exhibition featuring neo-Nazi flags and symbols of white nationalism have received an apology from one of the exhibition’s co-facilitators, but say it doesn’t go far enough.
Auckland art exhibition that featured neo-Nazi flags. Source: Supplied
By Te Aniwa Hurihanganui of rnz.co.nz
The Mercy Pictures gallery exhibition closed last week, but has come under intense scrutiny from locals and activist group Tāmaki Anti-Fascist Action, who believe the exhibition, which did not include context or justification, was deeply hurtful.
In a statement, a spokesperson for the group said that many of the images used were clearly symbols of oppression, disguised as art.
“We were deeply concerned about his extensive and uncritical use of neo-Nazi symbols, which is a way of structuring his ideology. We have found this especially frustrating when we and other community groups have gone to such lengths to bring down the fascists before and after the massacre. from Christchurch, “they said.
“Furthermore, we were deeply concerned that the introduction to the exhibition was written by British transphobic Nina Power, who has also collaborated with the far right, as a way of structuring her far right and transphobic ideology.”
The group was also concerned that neo-Nazi symbols would be displayed next to the flags of Tino Rangatiratanga and Ngāi Tūhoe, without the permission of tangata whenua.
The spokesperson said the company as a whole had declined to apologize, but co-facilitator Jerome Ngan-Kee had taken it upon himself to express regret.
Auckland art exhibition that featured neo-Nazi flags. Source: Supplied
“I would like to sincerely apologize for the damage and re-traumatization caused by the exhibition I was involved in creating … I deeply regret the way Mercy Pictures has responded to the criticism and pain this show has bought.
“It was irresponsible of me to assume that these symbols and our action in displaying them could deny their meanings and stories to extended communities,” he said in an open letter.
“I regret in the strongest possible way the display of images and symbols related to the terrible violence inflicted on marginalized communities in the name of art. I now recognize that this was a platform form of fascist symbols. I sincerely apologize for any devaluation for the strength, mana and resilience of those people and for any pain caused by the exhibition. “
He also acknowledged that he would not be working with Nina Power in the future and said that he would meet face to face with the communities he had harmed.
An open letter is circulating online condemning the exposure and demanding an apology from the entire company.
The letter also calls for the company to refuse to work with Nina Power in the future, to stop being a fascist platform and other far-right figures, and to apologize to Tangata whenua for displaying their flags without permission.
Mercy Pictures is expected to release a statement.
