A wave of anti-Israel graffiti and red paint vandalism has struck numerous art galleries in New York City. Strangely, some gallery owners have made the controversial decision to keep these attacks under wraps. The response to these incidents from insiders is divided, with some dismissing the perpetrators as mere nuisances while others see it as blatant antisemitism. The reasons behind this divisive reaction range from not wanting to give the vandals credibility to concerns about repressing artistic expression. This article delves into the complexities of the situation and the different viewpoints held by gallery owners.
The affected galleries span a wide range, from small hipster establishments on the Lower East Side to prestigious institutions on Fifth Avenue. These vandalized spaces have been adorned with signs quoting alleged Palestinian death tolls and messages like “Stop selling to Zionists. Stop working with Zionists.” Additionally, many of the galleries have had red paint splattered on their walls, symbolizing blood. The Pace gallery, known for representing Israeli artist Michal Rovner, was specifically targeted due to its exhibition of Rovner’s video work titled “Signals.” This artwork calls for the return of hostages taken by Hamas during an attack in October 2023. Pace gallery had to temporarily close to remove the graffiti and released a statement emphasizing their commitment to a safe and open workplace that respects differing opinions.
Another noteworthy incident involved the Neue Galerie, a German and Austrian art museum on the Upper East Side. It was covered with red paint by a group called “Writers Against the War Against Gaza,” who also posted a modified logo on social media. The altered logo featured the owner’s name, Ronald S. Lauder, changed to “Ronald SLaughter.” Lauder is the president of the World Jewish Congress, an international organization focused on protecting Jewish communities worldwide. This attack clearly had politically charged undertones, further fueling the debate around the motives and implications of these acts of vandalism.
The Upper East Side gallery Lévy Gorvy Dayan faced its own share of vandalism. Previously, the owners had expressed their disapproval of an open letter in support of Palestine posted on Artforum. They argued that the letter failed to acknowledge the ongoing hostage situation and the atrocities committed on October 7, a day marked as the bloodiest in Jewish history since the Holocaust. Interestingly, the editor of Artforum was dismissed after the publication of the letter, due to the controversy it caused within the art community. The gallery, in its response, condemned all forms of violence in Israel and Gaza while expressing deep concern for the humanitarian crisis.
The Divide Within the Art Community
The art community is deeply divided over how to respond to these attacks. Some art world insiders are horrified by the lack of awareness surrounding what they perceive as a surge of hate-fueled vandalism, drawing parallels to the marking of Jewish businesses in pre-Holocaust Germany. They find these incidents unsettling and believe they should be widely acknowledged. On the other hand, gallery owners like Isaac Lyles from Lyles and King have deliberately chosen not to release statements or contact the police regarding the vandalism in their gallery. Lyles supports the vandals’ right to freedom of expression and opinion, regardless of their message. He argues that gallery spaces are meant to foster open dialogue and diverse perspectives. The conflicting responses from gallery owners showcase the complexities of balancing political discussions and artistic freedom within the art world.
An Unintended Sense of Unity
In the midst of these incidents, it is noteworthy that the affected galleries have come together to help one another clean up and repair the damage. One gallery owner mentioned that their building was likely targeted simply because it was located in a hot area for galleries and there were upcoming openings. This particular owner saw the incident as an opportunity for the galleries to unite and support each other, rather than letting it become a platform for virtue signaling.
The issue of anti-Israel graffiti and vandalism in New York City art galleries remains contentious. Gallery owners face a challenging dilemma between fighting against perceived antisemitism and defending the principles of artistic freedom. The debate over whether to publicly address these attacks or to silently remove the evidence underscores the complex interplay between politics, art, and social responsibility. The consequences of taking a particular stance can be significant, both within the art community and in wider society. Thus, the art world is left grappling with how to navigate these troubling incidents in a way that promotes dialogue, understanding, and the preservation of artistic expression.
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