ATHENS — A shocking incident occurred at the National Gallery in Greece on Monday when a far-right lawmaker attacked four paintings in an exhibition. The gallery was forced to close for the day due to the incident, which has sparked outrage and condemnation from the art community and human rights organizations.
The lawmaker, identified as Nikolaos Papadopoulos from the ultra-religious Niki party, was temporarily detained for his actions. According to the gallery, he violently took down four paintings from the exhibition, inspired by the works of Spanish master Francisco de Goya, and threw them on the floor, causing damage.
The exhibition, titled “The allure of the bizarre,” features works by a group of Greek artists that correspond with 80 etchings from Goya’s Los Caprichos series from the late 18th century. It has been on display at the National Gallery since January and has been a major draw for both Greeks and tourists.
Papadopoulos’ lawyer, Constantinos Vathiotis, told Reuters that his client was illegally detained for five hours. However, according to the Greek constitution, lawmakers are protected from arrest and only parliament can lift their immunity.
The incident was sparked by a question submitted to the culture ministry by Papadopoulos in January, where he expressed his offense towards one of the paintings in the exhibition. He claimed that the painting was “clearly offending the Orthodox Christian faith” and “directly insulting the holy faces of Virgin Mary and Christ, which are depicted distorted.”
In response, the culture ministry stated that they “never engage in censorship” and that freedom of art and expression are protected by the constitution and should not be subject to personal taste or religious beliefs.
The Hellenic League for Human Rights has condemned Papadopoulos’ actions, stating that “freedom of art and expression are protected by the constitution and should not be subject to the personal taste and religious and ideological beliefs of self-appointed judges and ultimately punishers.”
This incident has sparked a larger conversation about the role of art and freedom of expression in Greece. The country has a rich history of art and culture, and it is important to protect and promote these values.
Art has always been a medium for self-expression and has the power to challenge societal norms and beliefs. It is a reflection of our society and should not be censored or restricted based on personal beliefs.
The National Gallery is a space for artists to showcase their work and for the public to appreciate and engage with art. It is a place for dialogue and exchange of ideas, and it is disheartening to see it being attacked in such a violent manner.
The incident has also raised concerns about the rise of far-right ideologies in Greece. It is important for the government to take a stand against such actions and promote tolerance and acceptance towards different forms of art and expression.
As a country, we must protect our cultural heritage and promote diversity and inclusivity. We cannot let personal beliefs and ideologies dictate what is acceptable in the art world.
In conclusion, the attack on the paintings at the National Gallery is a disturbing incident that goes against the values of freedom of expression and tolerance. It is important for the government and society to stand together and protect the rights of artists and their work. Let us continue to appreciate and celebrate the beauty and diversity of art in all its forms.
