National Gallery of Australia faces backlash for covering Palestinian flags in exhibition
text_fieldsThe National Gallery of Australia (NGA) has sparked controversy by concealing Palestinian flags in a major exhibition, citing security concerns.
The move has been widely condemned by artists and advocacy groups, who argue it amounts to censorship and political cowardice.
The NGA claims that the decision to cover the flags followed a security threat assessment, considering past incidents of vandalism and protest activity at the gallery. A spokesperson stated that the gallery worked closely with the artists involved and took action to ensure safety in an increasingly volatile environment, reported The Guardian.
However, Rosanna Raymond, curator of the Te Paepae Aora’i – Where the Gods Cannot Be Fooled exhibition and founder of the Pacific Indigenous art collective SaVĀge K’lub, expressed disappointment over the alteration of the artwork. According to Raymond, the NGA insisted on covering two Palestinian flags, a "Free Palestine" badge, and a protest fist pin, despite efforts to resist the changes.
The exhibition features various flags and social justice messages, including the Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, and West Papua flags. Raymond noted that while the Palestinian flag was deemed problematic, the West Papua flag - banned in Indonesia - was left uncovered.
Artists and advocacy groups have strongly criticised the NGA’s actions. The National Association for the Visual Arts’ executive director, Penelope Benton, warned that censoring artwork undermines artistic integrity and sets a dangerous precedent for cultural institutions. “Covering elements of an artwork not only risks distorting the artist’s message but also highlights the pressures institutions face when balancing artistic freedom with external influences.”
The Australian Palestine Advocacy Network’s president, Nasser Mashni, also condemned the move, calling it an attempt to erase Palestinian identity. “This is a disgraceful act of censorship,” he said. “The NGA must reverse this decision, apologise to the artists and Palestinian community, and take a stand against apartheid and occupation.”
The controversy comes amid growing tensions in Australia’s arts sector over issues related to Palestine. Last week, Creative Australia’s decision to withdraw Lebanese-Australian artist Khaled Sabsabi and curator Michael Dagostino from the 2026 Venice Biennale led to widespread criticism.
Renowned Aboriginal artist Richard Bell, whose work is displayed in the NGA, called the concealment of the Palestinian flags a clear act of censorship. “What is happening right now is horrifying. This is absolutely censorship,” Bell said. “Artists have a duty to bring public attention to critical issues, and suppressing these voices threatens democracy itself.”
Despite the backlash, the Australian government has remained silent on the issue. Arts Minister Tony Burke has yet to comment on the decision.