The National Gallery of Australia (NGA) has found itself at the centre of controversy after covering up Palestinian flags in a tapestry on display.
The artwork, part of the Te Paepae Aora’i – Where the Gods Cannot be Fooled exhibition by the Pacific Indigenous art collective SaVĀge K’lub, features various flags and symbols, including the Aboriginal flag, Torres Strait Islander flag, and West Papua flag.
The decision to conceal the Palestinian flags has sparked outrage, with many viewing it as an act of censorship. Rosanna Raymond, the exhibition’s curator and founder of SaVĀge K’lub, expressed her dismay and told The Guardian, “We were censored over that work”.
The artists were reportedly told that displaying Palestinian flag was a “high level” security risk and were given two options: remove the entire piece or cover the Palestinian flags. Reluctantly, they chose the latter to keep the artwork on display.
“It literally happened a couple of days before it actually officially opened. We felt a little bit hijacked because they had seen the work,” Raymond said to The Guardian.
Although SaVĀge K’lub haven’t posted an address of the situation directly on their social media, they did post this yesterday:
“Art has the power to transcend borders and ideologies, fostering empathy and understanding across divides. Through our art practices, we hope to contribute to a broader conversation about the complexities of conflict, and the shared humanity that can unite us all.”
This incident has reignited discussions about artistic freedom and censorship in Australia, especially in light of recent events. It follows the controversial choice of Creative Australia to remove artist Khaled Sabsabi and curator Michael Dagostino from representing Australia at the 2026 Venice Biennale.
The Australian Federation of Islamic Councils (AFIC) has strongly condemned the NGA’s actions. Dr. Rateb Jneid, AFIC President, emphasised in a statement, “Palestinians are not an abstract concept. They exist. Their history exists. Their struggle exists”.
“The message this censorship sends is clear: Palestinians are not allowed to represent themselves. Their culture is to be erased. Their supporters are to be silenced,” the statement reads.
As the situation unfolds, many are calling for the NGA to restore the artwork to its original form and for clearer guidelines on artistic freedom in public institutions.
AFIC demands that the NGA, “immediately restore the censored artwork in its original form”.
“Art institutions exist to challenge and inspire, not to police and erase.”
PEDESTRIAN.TV has reached out to the NGA and Rosanna Raymond for comment.
Lead image: Google Map Photos / Omar Sakr via X
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