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January 9, 2006
Australia: Artist's Anti-Muslim Posters Removed
News today from the Australian Daily Telegraph states that in Melbourne, posters placed by controversial artist Azlan McLennan were removed today after protestations.
The posters, erected at the city's tram stops, were widely seen as "anti-Muslim", for they bore provocative slogans. One read: "Attention passengers in the interests of personal safety non-Anglo commuters are advised to avoid using public transport."
Another had a slogan warning Muslims that they might be "subject to suspicion" superimposed over a photograph of Joseph Terrence Thomas, who has been dubbed "Jihad Jack" by the Aussie press.
Thomas (pictured above right) is a Muslim convert and Melbourne taxi-driver who is currently awaiting trial accused of financing a terrorist organisation. He spent two years in Afghanistan and Pakistan. He was held in the latter nation and claims he was interrogated by CIA agents who threatened him and his wife.
Azlan McLennan is no stranger to controversy. The current "works" were produced through the Urban Arts Collective.
In May 2004,while a 28-year old final year art student, his work "Fifty Six" was widely condemned as anti-semitic. On display in Flinders Street, it featured a large Star of David, acompanied by text detailing statistics of Palestinian sufferings, which the Age dismissed as "debatable". That work was regarded as controversial, and was reported internationally. Eventually, it was painted over (see pic below).
Yarra Trams, at whose stops the recent posters were displayed, have condemned the images and slogans. The government of Victoria and the city of Melbourne have joined the chorus of protest.
Acting transport minister Bob Cameron stated "These ads are offensive, they are stupid and they should be pulled down and the government's making it very clear today that we want these ads pulled down."
Posted by Giraldus Cambrensis at January 9, 2006 8:09 AM
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