South Africa’s Controversial Decision to Cancel “Elegy” at the Venice Biennale

Genocide wants no witness. Genocide wants to elude the name. 

On December 29, 2023, South Africa took a bold step by initiating proceedings against Israel at the International Court of Justice, accusing it of committing genocide in the Gaza Strip. This move exposed South Africa to potential global retaliation, but what was unexpected was the backlash coming from within the country itself.

Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie made headlines by unilaterally deciding to cancel “Elegy,” a video installation by Gabrielle Goliath, as the South African pavilion selection for the 61st Venice Biennale. This decision went against the selection committee’s unanimous choice of Goliath as the national representative, sparking controversy and debate within the art community.

In response to McKenzie’s actions, the selection committee members issued an open letter, denouncing any form of censorship or political interference in artistic expression. They emphasized the importance of upholding democracy, accountability, and cultural freedom in the arts.

Gabrielle Goliath’s “Elegy” is a powerful work that addresses themes of witness, grief, and communal mourning. With iterations spanning over a decade, “Elegy” serves as a poignant reflection on the impact of tragedy and loss on society. The decision to cancel this work jeopardizes South Africa’s presence at the Biennale and stifles important conversations around global issues.

This move by South Africa echoes similar instances of censorship and backlash in the art world, where artists have faced repercussions for addressing sensitive political topics. The cancellation of “Elegy” raises questions about artistic freedom, social responsibility, and the role of art in confronting difficult realities.

In a statement to the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, Goliath and her collaborators expressed their concerns over the suppression of artistic expression and emphasized the need for open dialogue and engagement with challenging sociopolitical issues.

“Elegy” symbolizes a form of collective remembrance and healing, offering space for individuals to mourn and reflect on shared experiences of loss. Its cancellation not only deprives audiences of a meaningful artistic experience but also undermines the potential for art to provoke meaningful conversations and foster empathy.

The decision to cancel “Elegy” highlights the delicate balance between artistic expression and political sensitivities. By reinstating the work, South Africa has the opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to creative freedom and social dialogue on a global platform.

“Elegy” represents both a wound and a medicine in a world where mourning and remembrance are increasingly under threat. Its reinstatement at the Venice Biennale would be a step towards acknowledging the importance of art in addressing complex societal issues and promoting healing and understanding.