South African Artist Files Lawsuit Against Arts Minister Over Venice Biennale Exclusion
Prominent South African artist Gabrielle Goliath has initiated legal proceedings against the country's Arts and Culture Minister, Gayton McKenzie, following his controversial decision to block her participation in the prestigious Venice Biennale. The lawsuit, filed alongside curator Ingrid Masondo and studio manager James Macdonald, demands the High Court reinstate their involvement in the international art exhibition by the critical deadline of 18th February.
Artwork Deemed "Highly Divisive" by Government Official
The dispute centres on Goliath's video installation titled Elegy, which pays tribute to Palestinian poet Hiba Abu Nada, killed alongside her son during an Israeli airstrike on Khan Younis in October 2023. Minister McKenzie described the work as addressing a "widely polarising" conflict and claimed it would be inappropriate for South Africa to support such an installation while the nation itself faces genocide accusations in separate international proceedings.
In a statement responding to mounting criticism, McKenzie expressed concerns that South Africa's exhibition platform was being "used as a proxy by a foreign power to endorse a geopolitical message about the actions of Israel in Gaza." This appeared to reference preliminary discussions with Qatar Museums regarding potential funding, though Goliath's legal affidavit confirms these talks never progressed beyond initial inquiries.
Artist Rejects "Foreign Capture" Allegations
Gabrielle Goliath has vehemently denied the minister's implications, characterising them as a "damaging conspiracy theory" that fundamentally misrepresents her artistic intentions. "I utterly reject the accusation of foreign capture," the artist stated, emphasising that her selection came through an independent panel process rather than external influence.
The planned exhibition would have featured three distinct Elegy video works, including tributes to:
- Palestinian poet Hiba Abu Nada
- South African murder victim Ipeleng Christine Moholane
- Female victims of the German genocide in Namibia
Goliath explained the broader significance of her work, stating: "It speaks far more eloquently to these very difficult questions of whose life is recognised as a life worth grieving after."
Growing Backlash from Artistic Community
The minister's intervention has provoked substantial outrage within South Africa's cultural sector, with numerous artist groups, writers' organisations, and non-profit institutions signing open letters condemning the decision. The Democratic Alliance, part of the national coalition government, has reported McKenzie to the country's public watchdog for investigation.
This controversy emerges against a complex political backdrop where South Africa's government has itself initiated legal action against Israel at the International Court of Justice, accusing the nation of committing genocide in Gaza. McKenzie's Patriotic Alliance party joined the coalition government in 2024, though the minister previously stated there was "no genocide" occurring against Palestinians.
International Precedents and Exhibition Logistics
The Venice Biennale, which alternates between art and architecture exhibitions annually, represents one of the art world's most significant international platforms. The 2024 edition featured participation from 86 nations, each presenting curated pavilions that reflect both artistic excellence and cultural diplomacy.
This case follows similar international controversies, including the July 2025 reinstatement of Lebanese-Australian artist Khaled Sabsabi as Australia's representative for the 2026 biennale, after his initial removal sparked debate about artistic freedom and political sensitivity.
As the 18th February deadline approaches for confirming installations with biennale organisers, neither Minister McKenzie nor his department have revealed alternative plans for South Africa's pavilion. The minister's spokesperson has declined to respond to follow-up inquiries regarding the ongoing legal challenge and exhibition preparations.
