Anti-censorship coalition criticizes cancellation of Kehinde Wiley shows

The National Coalition Against Censorship, an alliance of nonprofit groups supporting free speech and civil liberties, criticized the cancellation and postponement of Kehinde Wiley’s shows following allegations of sexual misconduct.

Wiley, best known for his portrait of US President Barack Obama, has denied allegations of sexual assault made last month by Ghanaian artist Joseph Awuah-Darko and two other men who later came forward.

Yet, in the wake of these allegations, the Joslyn Museum of Art in Omaha, Nebraska, the Minneapolis Institute of Art and the Pérez Art Museum Miami have suspended or postponed exhibitions of his work.

Although the NCAC agreed that the allegations against Wiley are “serious and concerning,” the coalition argued that museums are not equipped to be moral arbiters.

“His stature as an artist can in no way excuse such alleged behavior or mitigate their impacts,” the NCAC said. “But the response from cultural institutions – immediately canceling plans to exhibit the artist’s works – does a disservice to the public who want to experience the work of one of the country’s most recognized artists.”

The coalition said the three museums’ response involved a practice of examining the personal conduct of all artists they exhibit, saying the institutions “are not equipped or mandated to uphold moral orthodoxy.”

Instead, the coalition suggested that museums should contextualize works of art that have artistic value rather than canceling artists. This would, according to the text, reduce “the complexity and quantity of art eligible for exhibition”. As examples, he cited noted artists with “moral defects,” such as Caravaggio, who was convicted of murder, and Picasso, known for his abuse of his lovers.

“Museums are, or at least should be, equipped to host exhibitions that explore the complexity of given works of art at the time they are presented, and to host important discussions about ethical conflicts, should the need arise.” actually felt,” added the coalition.

The group called on leaders of the Joslyn, Pérez and Minneapolis museums to continue their respective exhibitions on Kehinde Wiley, while acknowledging the allegations against the artist. He further urged all museums to adopt “clear guidelines on freedom of expression” for their future exhibitions.

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