Full Breakdown
Controversy Surrounds Anti-Semitic Art Exhibition Promoted by Labour Council
3/23/2026, 7:51:26 PM
Exhibition Overview and Allegations
The "Drawings Against Genocide" exhibition, created by artist Matthew Collings, has sparked significant controversy due to its alleged anti-Semitic content. Hosted at the Joseph Wales Studios in Margate, Kent, the exhibition features numerous drawings that critics assert perpetuate harmful Jewish stereotypes, including depictions of Jewish figures consuming babies. The exhibition has drawn scrutiny from various groups and individuals, leading to inquiries by Kent Police regarding its content.
Criticism of the Labour Council
The Labour-led Thanet District Council has faced backlash for its apparent promotion of the exhibition on its tourism website, Visit Thanet. The webpage detailing the exhibition's dates and venue has since been removed following public outcry. Chris Philp, the shadow home secretary, condemned the council's actions, stating, “This extremist Labour council is supporting an openly anti-Semitic exhibition. These pictures are dripping with sickening anti-Semitic tropes, and all those involved in this should hang their heads in shame.” Alex Hearn from Labour Against Antisemitism echoed this sentiment, asserting that the council "should be absolutely ashamed."
Content of the Exhibition
The exhibition includes crude illustrations that critics describe as embodying classic anti-Semitic tropes. Notable pieces feature figures with Stars of David surrounded by blood and a drawing depicting two auctioneers at Sotheby's—owned by French-Israeli businessman Patrick Drahi—engaged in the act of eating babies. Another drawing controversially portrays Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy alongside banknotes and an Israeli flag, with speech bubbles indicating her support for Zionism.
Official Statements and Responses
In response to the controversy, Kent Police confirmed they are investigating reports concerning the exhibition's subject matter. Daniela Grudsky, Israel's charge d'affaires to the UK, characterized the exhibition as "not art" and "not free speech," labeling it as "antisemitism — crude, aggressive, and completely indefensible." The Campaign Against Antisemitism has also condemned the exhibition, calling it "a disgrace" and demanding an apology from the local authority.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the exhibition has been widely criticized for its content, there are varying opinions on the nature of the artwork itself. Supporters of Collings argue that the exhibition aims to provoke thought about the consequences of genocide, while detractors maintain that it crosses the line into hate speech. The lack of a clear statement from the Labour council regarding their initial promotion of the exhibition has left some questions unanswered.
What's Next
As the investigation by Kent Police continues, further developments are anticipated regarding the exhibition and the Labour council's involvement. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing discussions about the boundaries of artistic expression and the responsibilities of public institutions in promoting such works.
