Meanwhile Artnet News reports that Greek artist Xenofon Kavvadias is gaining attention over proposals to put "terrorist textbooks" on display in art galleries, a display that might open him to prosecution under the incitement and possession provisions of the UK Terrorism Act. Kavvadias reportedly plans to present texts such as the Manual of Afghan Jihad, the Mujahideen Poisons Handbook, and the Islamic Ruling on the Permissibility of Martyrdom Operations as part of an art exhibition. He is reported as saying that his goal is not to support terrorism, but rather free speech, wanting "to use art to reclaim something that is lost right now: freedom of publishing and freedom of expression"
Kavvadias exhibited the covers of three such books in plastic cases for his MA degree show at Central St Martins School of Art and Design. He has displayed entire books, sealed in cases, in a show at the 10 Vyner Street gallery.
Artnet News indicates that -
His grand scheme, according to the Guardian, is a library of banned books that would "create a portrait of demons and fears." But British courts have jailed people for possession of such documents (on the grounds that they incite terrorism), and Kawadias [sic] says he won't proceed in England unless he can secure assurances that he won't be prosecuted.He'll exhibit in the Netherlands instead, it seems.
Nothing like virtual support of free speech: no opprobrium for displaying something nasty such as child porn, media attention for the bold plan to display 'terrorist textbooks' but no action unless there is a 'get out of jail free card' in the pocket beforehand?
Decorate the program with some quotations from Spivak and Bhabha and it's a virtual exhibition: just think about the white-on-white canvases on the virtual wall, or the [insert nastiness du jour] in the curator's vitrine
