Credits: finestresullarte.info
Catalyzing yet another episode in the struggle against historical legacy, two members of the Spanish climate action group Futuro Vegetal vandalized a work of art featuring Christopher Columbus in Madrid’s Naval Museum. The painting, entitled “First Tribute to Columbus” by José Garnelo, was covered in red biodegradable paint in protest against Spain’s National Day on October 12.
Their message was that Columbus represents “colonialism, extraction, and suffering of indigenous people”. They also urged Spaniards to boycott the holiday and boycott any company that they considered related to “extractivism”.
Let's be clear: throwing paint on historical art is not going to change history. Columbus is a complex and complicated historical figure for some, but vandalizing cultural heritage is not the same as debate: it is an act of performative cultural outrage masquerading as activism.
This is not the first time Futuro Vegetal has pulled such a stunt. Earlier this year, they targeted Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia. Now they are trying to attack our museums in conjunction with our National Day traditions.
The painting is already going under restoration, but the damage is multiplied. These acts don't disturb power, they alienate the people and devalue serious engagement on history.
When destruction takes the place of dialogue, progress is dead.
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