What is Mofo? ... Dark Mofo
An arts festival renowned for showcasing shocking and provocative works has cancelled plans to soak a British flag in donated Aboriginal blood following a massive backlash.
Key points:
- The art festival put a call out for blood donations from "First Nations peoples"
- The blood was to be used to soak a British flag, as an artistic metaphor
- The festivals' artitsic director apologised and said he had "made a mistake"
Spanish artist Santiago Sierra's piece, called Union Flag, was announced on the weekend as one of the major acts for the Museum of Old and New Art's (MONA) annual Hobart festival, Dark Mofo, to take place in June.
On behalf of artist Santiago Sierra, we are looking for people to take part in Union Flag: a new artwork that will see the Union Jack immersed in the blood of its colonised territories at Dark Mofo 2021.
Expressions of interest are now open to First Nations peoples from countries claimed by the British Empire at some point in history, who reside in Australia. Participants will be invited to donate a small amount of blood to the artwork, facilitated by a medical professional before the festival. Register now via link in bio.
How did people protest?
'Urine soaked pillows' sent as protest
Ritchie asked people "don't send any more urine soaked pillows to me, because I have nothing to do with this inanity and disavow it as an individual and on behalf of Team Mona Foma."
Here