Cartoonists Outraged as Exhibition Axed Over Offence Concerns
An exhibition of British cartoonists was cancelled over fears of offending attendees. Celebrated artists Mac and Pugh expressed their outrage, calling it an overreaction. The venue, TownSq Kingston, stated they aim to maintain a politically neutral workspace, but the decision has raised concerns about censorship in the arts.
A planned exhibition featuring prominent British cartoonists has been abruptly scrapped due to fears of causing offence. Titled “Licence To Offend,” the show was set to display works from well-known cartoonists, including those from the Mail, like Mac and Pugh, but was pulled by the Kingston Riverside venue before its public opening.
The collection, organised by photographer Paul Mowatt and artist Zoe Dorelli of Whitelight Projects, was intended to showcase a variety of political humour. However, Dorelli informed the artists via email that the venue requested the immediate removal of the exhibition, citing concerns over potential offensiveness that could upset attendees and local councils.
“It’s crazy. Everyone is so incensed,” exclaimed Mac, one of the cartoonists affected by the cancellation. He lamented that satire, once a powerful form of expression, is now being stifled. Pugh echoed these sentiments, noting the contradictory nature of censoring art that had already been vetted and published.
The exhibition featured various works, including a cartoon by Pugh that cleverly referenced social media controversies. Pugh remarked on the sudden change in the venue’s stance after they were aware of the exhibition for weeks, calling it an overreaction.
Dorelli expressed her disappointment in the swift decision from the venue’s management, which she described as a response to the fear of upsetting some members. Additionally, Rob Murray, another artist involved, dismissed the decision as ridiculous, citing similar past incidents of censorship.
In defence of their actions, a spokesman for TownSq Kingston explained that while they did not find the exhibition inherently offensive, the venue aims to maintain political neutrality in its workspace. They noted that the artists are still permitted to hold the exhibition, although the artworks will not remain afterwards.
The cancellation of this exhibition highlights ongoing tensions in the realm of free speech versus perceived sensitivities, sparking outrage in the artistic community. As discussions continue about the balance between political expression and community standards, this incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by artists today.
The cancellation of the cartoonists’ exhibition “Licence To Offend” has sparked significant backlash over free expression issues. With key figures in the artistic community voicing their frustration, the incident raises deeper questions about political neutrality versus creative freedom. The venue’s overreaction reflects a broader struggle artists face in navigating the modern landscape of humour and political correctness.
Original Source: www.dailymail.co.uk
