International and local art community condemns unwarranted dismissal of Sharjah Art Foundation Director Jack Persekian and the censorship of artworks in the Sharjah Biennial.
There has also since been a malicious campaign circulating through numerous social networks directed against Mr. Persekian, accusing him of heresy and conspiratorial intent. This campaign has sought to deliberately misinform the public, to undermine his integrity and the pioneering and generous work he has undertaken in Sharjah over the years.
Mr Persekian’s vision and contributions to cultural and artistic life, as well as the Foundation’s fostering and encouragement of vital debates in Sharjah, the region and the global art world at large is widely considered essential and productive.
Moreover, the curators have stated that further reflection on the local public’s cultural sensitivities, a visible public warning and more careful contextualization of possibly offensive material may have been useful and considerate. Yet, it is very unfortunate that there has not been a more open and mutual exchange, a position which has previously garnered Sharjah much respect from artists, cultural practitioners and intellectuals the world over.
We, the undersigned, are deeply alarmed by the worrying and dangerous shift by those occupying positions of power in the Emirate with regards to artistic and intellectual expression. These actions set a deplorable precedent, one that may further legitimate institutional and self-censorship. Both of which we strongly oppose.
We condemn the dismissal of Jack Persekian and find the decision incommensurable and disproportionate with the alleged charges brought against him and the Sharjah Art Foundation. We see his removal and the censorship of artworks as a mistake on the part of those authorities concerned, and the subsequent resignation of members of the Sharjah Art Foundation team as a profound loss for cultural, artistic and intellectual life in Sharjah and beyond.
We adamantly denounce dogma that puts an end to conversations, critical thinking and self-questioning by resorting to repression, the use of force and unilateral, autocratic decisions.
We ask that these events be publicly acknowledged and that guarantees are given concerning the intellectual sovereignty of the Foundation’s work, without which the future and liberty of artistic expression and cultural production in Sharjah and the region at large are seriously jeopardized.
In the instance that these demands are not met, we will have no choice but to boycott the Foundation, the Biennial and any of the Emirate’s cultural activities.
To sign this petition, please go to: www.ipetitions.com/petition/sharjahcall4action
For more information, please visit: sharjahcallforaction.wordpress.com