ANC says Mabulu’s latest exhibition is a grotesque act of vulgarity

Natasha Mabuto
13 July 2016

The African National Congress has condemned the latest set of paintings depicting President Jacob Zuma by controversial artist Ayanda Mabulu as demeaning, saying he’s abusing his right to freedom of expression.

In one of the paintings, Zuma is seen performing a sexual act on a naked businessman, Atul Gupta, in the cockpit of an aircraft adorned with the flags of the ruling party. 

A second painting, also released this week, shows the president reclined in what appears to be a throne, with his private parts exposed. 

In a strongly worded statement, the ANC says Mabulu’s exhibition is a grotesque act of vulgarity and disrespect; and a blatant violation of the right to dignity of those portrayed. 

Spokesperson Khusela Sangoni says that Mr Mabulu has, over a long period time, sought to portray black leaders in the form of baboons and, as he has in this case, crude sexualisation.

The paintings have drawn criticism on social media and Sangoni says the party hopes those advocating for media freedom will also speak out.In his defence, Mabulu has dismissed the ruling party as ignorant, saying it should stop looking at issues with a shallow mind.


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