Film board declassifies The Spear
2012-10-10 18:56
Johannesburg - The Film and Publication Board (FPB) on Wednesday declassified the controversial painting The Spear, which depicts President Jacob Zuma with his genitals exposed.
The board's spokesperson, Prince Mlimandlela Ndamase, said that artist Brett Murray's painting - which outraged supporters of President Zuma when it was displayed early this year at Johannesburg's Goodman Gallery - is no longer deemed an offense to public taste.
The gallery had appealed the FPB's 16N rating.
The painting was condemned by the African national Congress and Zuma himself said in court documents that the artwork ridiculed him and undermined his constitutional right to dignity.
But the gallery and the artist countered that freedom of expression was at stake, too.
The painting was later taken down after two men defaced it with paint, claiming they were acting to defend Zuma.
- AP
