Protests Erupt in Colombia Over Removal of Artworks From National Museum

Hundreds of protesters gathered at the Museo Nacional de Colombia in Bogotá this weekend, following the removal of artworks addressing political violence, women's rights, and LGBTQ+ history.

The removal of approximately 30 artworks was ordered by President Abelardo De La Espriella, who instructed the Minister of Culture to remove items referencing LGBTQ+ and feminist movements, victims of state violence, and the 2016 peace agreement with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC).

Among the removed items were a photograph from an LGBTQ+ rights march, a Pride Flag belonging to an activist, and a pamphlet on women's reproductive rights. Additionally, items related to the assassinations of former guerrilla commander Carlos Pizarro Leongómez and leftist leader Bernardo Jaramillo Ossa, as well as a pen used to sign the 2016 peace agreement, were also taken down.

Protesters faced a strong police presence, with rows of officers in riot gear stationed at the museum's entrance, equipped with water cannons and stun grenades. Inside the museum, empty gallery walls bore the silhouettes of the removed artworks.

President De La Espriella's directive has sparked widespread condemnation from Colombia's arts community, with leaders from six modern art museums across the country expressing their disapproval.

CONTEXT: This event underscores the ongoing tensions between political ideologies and cultural expression in Colombia, highlighting the significance of art as a medium for addressing historical and social issues. The protests reflect broader concerns about freedom of expression and the role of art in preserving and interpreting the country's complex history.