ART AGAINST APARTHEID
PRESS RELEASE
A special branch of the UN Special Committee Against Apartheid, titled “Artists of the World Against Apartheid”, has been established within UNESCO in Paris. The organization has curated a significant international exhibition by inviting leading contemporary artists from around the globe. Its goal is to draw public attention to racial segregation and apartheid through an impactful art collection.
The exhibition committee is chaired by Spanish artist Antonio Saura, with French artist Ernest Pignon-Ernest serving as secretary. Founding members include prominent figures such as Pierre Alechinsky, Arman, Christo, Robert Rauschenberg, James Rosenquist, Max Bill, Erró, Renato Guttuso, Wifredo Lam, Roberto Matta, Antoni Tàpies, and Vladimir Veličković.
The exhibition features works from 85 internationally renowned artists representing 40 countries, all of whom have publicly committed to defending humanism and humanity. Comprising a total of 150 pieces, the collection is designed to remain permanent. The ultimate goal is for the collection to become the foundation of a museum dedicated to the fight against apartheid, to be established in South Africa once racial oppression is abolished.
As a supplementary component, the exhibition includes a poster collection created by 15 artists prior to the main exhibition. The original works for these posters are part of the current exhibition. Additionally, a publication accompanies the exhibition, featuring statements by 11 renowned writers and scientists addressing the exhibition’s theme. The publication also includes documents from UN declarations and details about South Africa’s apartheid policies.
The exhibition commenced its tour in Paris, where it was displayed at the Fondation Nationale des Arts Graphiques et Plastiques at the end of last year. Early in its tour, the exhibition was brought to the Nordic countries; it was showcased at Lund Art Hall in Sweden earlier this year.
In Finland, the exhibition will be presented at the Pori Art Museum from April 10 to May 13, at the Tampere Museum of Contemporary Art from May 17 to September 2, and at the Lahti Art Museum from September 6 to September 30. Following its Finnish tour, the exhibition will continue to Copenhagen, and in 1985, it will travel to several European countries, the United States, Latin America, and Hong Kong.
Translated with ChatGPT