"It may not be mere collateral damage, but rather a targeted campaign focused on erasing the country's glorious art history. That was the playbook in Gaza, where cultural heritage was brutally wiped out. For an occupying force, populations are less of a threat if they wander around without cultural identity. When all is reduced to rubble, the only security threat that remains is collective memory."
"I fled Qatar to live freely as a queer person. A country that criminalizes LGBTQ+ existence should not be celebrated as a global hub of creative freedom."
"What is being offered as recognition often operates as a way of organizing power, determining not only what is seen, but who is positioned to benefit from that visibility."
The newsletter addresses multiple intersecting issues in the art world. US and Israeli military actions target Iranian palaces, potentially representing a deliberate campaign to erase cultural heritage rather than accidental collateral damage, mirroring tactics used in Gaza where cultural destruction weakens populations by removing their identity. Simultaneously, Art Basel's opening in Doha, Qatar raises ethical concerns as the country criminalizes LGBTQ+ existence, forcing queer individuals like Nasser Mohamed to flee. The publication also examines problems with art awards and their role in organizing power and determining visibility. Additional coverage includes profiles of contemporary artists and discussions on participatory art projects.
#cultural-heritage-destruction #lgbtq-rights #art-world-ethics #art-awards-and-power #geopolitics-and-art
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