Julian Assange visits artist who held $45m worth of art hostage

Andrei Molodkin's artwork, 'Date of Freedom (2024)', serves as a poignant critique of Julian Assange's prolonged detention, powerfully reminding audiences of the urgent need for justice.

The drawing, meticulously executed with a ballpoint pen, culminated in the artist adding Assange's release date—a hopeful yet stark commentary on freedom and imprisonment.

This exhibition at the National Gallery not only displays the physical representation of Assange's plight, but also calls attention to the broader implications of artistic expression under duress.

Molodkin's work, initiated following Navalny's death, reflects a deep intertwining of art and socio-political activism, urging viewers to consider the consequences of governmental power over individuals.

Read at The Art Newspaper - International art news and events