At the inauguration of her exhibition in Berlin, renowned American photographer and activist Nan Goldin delivered a passionate speech denouncing Israel’s ongoing conflict in Gaza.
During her address on Friday, the 71-year-old artist expressed her desire to utilize her retrospective at the Neue Nationalgalerie as a vital platform to voice her deep moral outrage, describing the situation as “genocide in Gaza and Lebanon.”
Goldin, who proudly identifies as Jewish and was born in Washington D.C., has gained recognition not just for her artistic contributions but also for her fervent activism, a dual focus that was highlighted in the critically acclaimed 2022 documentary “All the Beauty and the Bloodshed.”
Addressing a supportive crowd, Goldin emphasized that legitimate criticism of Israel should not be mischaracterized as antisemitism and pointed out the devastating displacement and destruction experienced in Gaza.
She articulated her concerns regarding Islamophobia in Germany, where she noted that despite being home to the largest Palestinian diaspora in Europe, protests advocating for Palestinian rights are often met with aggressive police responses, including dogs and deportations. “Germany is home of the largest Palestinian diaspora in Europe. Yet protests are met with police dogs and deportation and stigmatization,” she stated.
As she concluded her speech, loud chants of “free, free Palestine” filled the room, effectively overshadowing the subsequent remarks from Klaus Biesenbach, the director of the gallery.
Hermann Parzinger, president of the Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation, sharply criticized both Goldin’s comments and the disruption caused by the protestors, asserting, “This does not correspond to our understanding of freedom of expression.”
Despite their differences, Biesenbach affirmed Goldin’s right to express her views, noting that while he disagrees with her stance, he defends her freedom of expression.
The retrospective exhibition at the Neue Nationalgalerie, aptly titled “This Will Not End Well,” offers a thorough exploration of Goldin’s artistic journey, featuring an engaging blend of slideshows and films complemented by music.
In concerning developments from Gaza, the Health Ministry reported a staggering death toll exceeding 44,000 since the onset of the war between Israel and Hamas, highlighting that over half of those fatalities are women and children. It is important to note that the Gaza Health Ministry does not differentiate between combatants and civilians in its reported figures, while the Israeli military claims to have killed over 17,000 militants, though without substantiation.
Around 90% of the population of Gaza, which stands at approximately 2.3 million, has been displaced due to the ongoing conflict.
The current war erupted when Hamas-led militants launched a surprise assault into southern Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in the deaths of about 1,200 individuals, the majority of whom were civilians, and the abduction of approximately 250 individuals, with around 100 hostages still believed to be held in Gaza, a significant portion of whom are presumed dead.
How can critical discussions about Israel and Palestine contribute to a better understanding of human rights and freedom of speech?
**Interview with Art Critic and Activist, Dr. Sarah Hale**
*Host:* Welcome, Dr. Hale. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the recent inauguration of Nan Goldin’s exhibition in Berlin, where she made some powerful statements regarding the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
*Dr. Hale:* Thank you for having me. It’s an important topic that deserves discussion.
*Host:* At the exhibition, Goldin described the situation in Gaza as “genocide” and used her platform to express deep moral outrage. How significant is it for artists like Goldin to take such a stand in their work and public appearances?
*Dr. Hale:* It’s incredibly significant. Artists hold a unique influence and can mobilize public discourse on urgent social and political issues. Goldin’s statement not only amplifies the voices of those affected but also challenges the boundaries of how art is perceived in the context of activism. Her retrospective at the Neue Nationalgalerie serves as an intersection of art and urgent human rights advocacy.
*Host:* Goldin also pointed out that legitimate criticism of Israel should not be labeled as antisemitism. This is a hotly debated topic. Can you elaborate on this?
*Dr. Hale:* Absolutely. Goldin’s comments reflect a broader discourse on freedom of speech and the complexities surrounding critique of Israeli policies. Many activists argue that calling out state actions is not an attack on Jewish identity but rather a necessary discussion for human rights. It’s vital to differentiate between legitimate criticism and hateful rhetoric to foster a more informed and nuanced understanding of the issues at play.
*Host:* She also highlighted issues of Islamophobia in Germany, particularly in relation to how protests advocating for Palestinian rights are treated. Why is this context important?
*Dr. Hale:* The context is crucial. Germany has a significant Palestinian diaspora, and understanding how their voices are treated sheds light on broader socio-political dynamics in Europe. When protests are met with police aggression, it raises serious questions about civil rights and the treatment of minority communities. Goldin’s remarks underscore the urgent need to address these issues within the landscape of European politics.
*Host:* The event culminated in chants of “free, free Palestine” which seemingly overshadowed the gallery director’s remarks. What kind of effect do you think that has on the audience and the message of the exhibition?
*Dr. Hale:* Such spontaneous expressions of solidarity can be quite powerful. They signify not just support for the Palestinian cause but also a collective discontent with the status quo. It’s a reminder that art spaces can become arenas for political expression. The disruption may change the narrative of the event, focusing attention on the message rather than the art itself, which can be both a challenge and an opportunity for dialog.
*Host:* how do you see Goldin’s activism influencing emerging artists and the future of art in sociopolitical spheres?
*Dr. Hale:* Goldin’s activism sets a precedent for emerging artists, encouraging them to incorporate their beliefs and values into their work. As social and political issues continue to evolve, artists are increasingly recognizing their roles as advocates. This could lead to a more engaged and socially responsible art community that seeks not only to reflect but also to challenge and change the world.
*Host:* Thank you, Dr. Hale. Your insights shed light on the intersection of art and activism, especially in the context of Nan Goldin’s powerful message in Berlin.
*Dr. Hale:* Thank you for having me; this is an important conversation that needs to continue.
