Indonesian artists’ ‘anti-Semitic’ work removed from German show after upsetting Israel

The work, titled ‘People’s Justice’, showed a soldier with the face of a pig, wearing a neckerchief with a Star of David and a helmet with the word ‘Mossad’

Israel’s embassy said it was ‘appalled’. Art collective Taring Padi said the banner contained ‘symbolism that is widespread in Indonesia’s political context’

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Staff take down the controversial ‘People’s Justice’ banner by the Indonesian artist collective Taring Padi at the Documenta art show in Kassel. Photo: Uwe Zucchi/dpa

Published: 10:02am, 22 Jun 2022Updated: 2:45pm, 22 Jun 2022

An Indonesian art collective’s banner that was widely criticised for containing anti-Semitic elements was covered up at a major art show in Germany and later taken down, officials said.

The large installation by Taring Padi, titled “People’s Justice”, drew objections after it was put up in a central square in the city of Kassel as part of the Documenta contemporary art show.

The work by Indonesian art collective Taring Padi at the Documenta exhibition was covered up on Monday, before later being removed. Photo: Swen Pförtner/dpa

Criticism centred on the depiction on the banner of a soldier with the face of a pig, wearing a neckerchief with a Star of David and a helmet inscribed with the word “Mossad”, the name of Israel’s intelligence agency.

On Monday, the Israeli embassy in Berlin said it was “appalled by the anti-Semitic elements” that were being shown in Kassel and called for their immediate removal from the exhibition. It said that “they have absolutely nothing to do with free expression of opinion, but are an expression of an old-style anti-Semitism.”

Organisers said on Monday – three days after it went up – that the work would be covered up, in what they said was a joint decision with the art collective. On Tuesday, Kassel Mayor Christian Geselle said that it would be taken down altogether during the day.

Germany’s culture minister, Claudia Roth, said in a statement that its removal was “overdue” and “is only a first step”.