Board of Directors sees accusations of anti-Semitism refuted

The organizers of the Ibug street art show in Chemnitz believe that the accusations of anti-Semitism against several exhibited works have been refuted. Several scientific and legal expert opinions clearly indicated that the accusations were fundamentally questionable, they said.

This is why the work by Luke Carter, which was temporarily covered up in part, will be shown again in its entirety, the board announced. All of the objectionable works of art are covered by the freedom of art. However, they will continue to be provided with an explanation and classification.

Art as anti-Semitic propaganda?

In a letter obtained by Deutsche Presse-Agentur, around 90 signatories criticized the fact that works of art in the current show had clearly anti-Semitic content. Art must not become a projection screen for anti-Semitic propaganda, the signatories criticize. They demanded that the offending works be removed from the exhibition. These are works by Luke Carter and Plan B, which the critics believe contain "demonizing and delegitimizing messages" about the Jewish state.

In response, the organizers covered up at least parts of Carter's work with the words "GERMANY MURDERED WITH". According to historian Peter Jelavich from Johns Hopkins University, parts of the work were problematic, it was said at the beginning of the week.

Professor Marc Siegel from Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, among others, has now firmly rejected the accusations. Rather, the works are "critical artistic reflections on Israel's actions towards the Palestinian people and Germany's political involvement". Siegel is a professor of film studies in Mainz and says he researches queer studies and experimental film.

Record attendance even before the closing weekend

The Ibug festival, an abbreviation for brownfield redevelopment, transforms brownfield sites into galleries for urban art at different locations every year.

This year, a former hospital in Chemnitz was chosen for the event. Works by 70 artists and collectives from Germany and abroad will be on display. The show is part of Chemnitz's programme as European Capital of Culture 2025.

According to the organizers, around 22,000 people have already seen the current show. That is a record. This weekend (September 5 to 7) will be the last time it opens its doors to visitors.