Im sure you are all completely “Speared” out by now but I need to have a little rant! Firstly let me just get the artwork out the way………..I don’t think it’s very good, even as a “parody” as was pointed out to me on Twitter! But then again I’m a simple chap who likes simple pleasures and I prefer a piece of art stands on its own without explanatory dialogue from the artist. Now Zapiro’s piece in the press with the shower head was brilliant! All South Africans would have immediately made all the right connections without all the drama.
So the ANC are marching, to the Goodman Gallery, to demand a public apology. As far as I know the Painting has been collected by the new owner (what an investment) and the Gallery has apologised for upsetting people. The City Press has removed the image from the website and made an apology to Zuma’s family for any pain caused. One would think it’s time to move on…..but no!
The fact of the matter is that the President of a country is held to a higher standard, and rightly so! His actions and morals should be beyond reproach. When he ran for President, Jacob Zuma must have known that his every action would be dissected and commented on in the media? The fact that the artist felt the need to paint this piece just shows how JZ has failed in all departments to be a moral pillar of our country. It is not our responsibility as South Africans to tread lightly around the Pres in case we upset his fragile sensitivities; it’s up to the President, who is a public servant to make sure that his actions in his personal and professional life are morally defendable.
Both the Goodman Gallery and the City press were bullied by the ANC, although I think the artwork in question was in bad taste, which is just a personal opinion. The President and the ANC asked all the wrong questions and made all the wrong demands. All they achieved by blowing this issue out of proportion was to once again highlight the moral shortcomings of the President and the ANC of which he is the leader.
End of Rant!
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