The artists Nicholas Galanin and Merritt Johnson asked the National Gallery of Art in Washington to remove their sculptures from the museum’s show. This move was reported by Artnews, which documented the artists’ decision to participate in a broader act of protest connected to U.S. policy toward Israel. The sculpture in question, titled Creating with Children, is part of the exhibition The World Carries Our Ancestors. It depicts a large child in a 17th-century dress, beneath whose skirt the open mouths of animals can be seen, a stark visual meant to symbolize the long history of colonialism and slavery endured by indigenous peoples. The artists stated that the figure represents a survivor of centuries of subjugation and oppression, and that the work is intended to spark conversation about how history continues to shape present-day power dynamics. A representative of the National Gallery confirmed that the exhibit would be removed from the display. The decision is presented as a curatorial and ethical stance aiming to address the concerns raised by the artists while the gallery weighs its responsibilities to viewers and to artistic integrity. [Artnews]
In late October, reports indicated that a group of Hollywood actors sent a letter to President Biden urging him to take action to stop the fighting in Israel and Gaza. The appeal was reportedly signed by 55 figures from the entertainment industry. Among the signatories were Joaquin Phoenix, Cate Blanchett, Jon Stewart, Kristen Stewart, Susan Sarandon, Mahershala Ali, Riz Ahmed, Rami Youssef, and Quinta Brunson. The coverage notes that the signatories used their platform to call for a pause in hostilities and a broader humanitarian response. This development has been discussed alongside ongoing debates about the role of public figures in shaping foreign policy conversations and humanitarian aid. [source attribution]
Earlier reporting highlighted parallel discussions within Hollywood about producing content that examines oppression and conflict in the region, reflecting a broader trend of artists engaging with political topics in their work and public statements. The intersection of art, policy, and public opinion continues to be a focal point for discussions about how cultural institutions respond to current events while preserving artistic expression and the rights of artists to critique power structures. [source attribution]