Fears anti-Semitism plan could dull artistic expression

Perth Now

4 days ago

Emerging Palestinian artist Lana Kalis recently staged her first exhibition, titled My Family in Palestine.
Held at The Blue Room Theatre in Perth, the show combined traditional embroidery techniques with photos of her family in Palestine when it was under the control of the British Mandate, before the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948.
The exhibition was a deep reflection on the artist's heritage, but it's shows like hers that some fear could be affected by the anti-Semitism plan the federal government is considering.
"I've lived with the impact of erasure and silencing throughout my life ... I feel it's my responsibility as an emerging artist to share our family story and to stand for our shared humanity," Kalis said.
She has been examining her family photos intensely since the death of her father two years ago, and says it has been an honour to pay tribute to him and share her history.
The artist used a type of cross-stitch found on garments known as thobes to embroider the photographs, which were printed on fibrous Japanese washi paper.
Despite its focus on family history, the exhibition came with a trigger warning pointing to the discussion of "the ethnic cleansing, genocide and displacement of Palestinian people".
While she supports measures to stamp out anti-Semitism and all forms of racism, Kalis believes criticism of actions by the state of Israel should not be restricted.
"By their very nature, restrictions on criticism of the state of Israel undermine democracy and creative expression," she said.
"We don't want people to be too scared to express themselves as artists because of being worried about being accused of anti-Semitism."
The report by anti-Semitism envoy Jillian Segal has given rise to concerns its proposed measures could stifle legitimate criticism of the state of Israel.
The report recommends the adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's controversial definition of anti-Semitism, which has been criticised for conflating anti-Semitism with criticism of the state of Israel and Zionism.
The recommendations include provisions for terminating funding to festivals and cultural institutions that promote, facilitate or do not deal effectively with hate or anti-Semitism.
The envoy's office would also work with the federal and state governments to implement initiatives to monitor and counter anti-Semitism within the arts under the plan.