Feud escalates as artist puts warning on 'racist' statue
An artwork interrogating the legacy of a century-old statue of an African American boy on the main street of Maitland has sparked a feud between the local council and the artist.
An artist in Maitland, Australia, has sparked controversy over a racist statue in the town's main street. Sydney-based artist Osvaldo Budet's artwork, currently displayed at the Maitland Regional Art Gallery, critiques the statue's representation of racism and heritage. The council of Maitland City Council expressed disappointment in the gallery's decision to showcase Budet's piece and supported preserving the statue.
A warning sign was placed in front of the artwork, warning visitors it may offend community members who cherish the statue. Osvaldo Budet, in response, placed his own sign near the statue, warning passers-by that it could offend them. Budet criticized the mayor's decision, arguing it stifled public debate about the statue's legacy.
The statue, a common type of hitching post manufactured in the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, has been the subject of debate due to its racially stereotypical representation of African Americans. The council maintains the artwork is a political statement, rather than a genuine work of art. Community members hold differing views on whether the statue should remain in its prominent location.
Written by urgent.news from ABC News AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
