Controversy has been swirling around The O.P.E.N., which debuted on Wednesday with a selection of images by Iranian photojournalist Newsha Tavakolian, curated by Vali Mahlouji, for the exhibition I Know Why The Rebel Sings. Many turned up to the event, which precedes the annual Singapore International Festival of the Arts, only to realise that several pictures were censored by the Media Development Authority.
You’re probably not surprised, given Singapore’s history of censorship. Thirty one photos altogether were disallowed, as the MDA had issues with them, and 15 remained on the walls as blacked out boxes. We’d imagine that would only serve to pique the curiosity of audiences.
According to Ong Keng Sen, Festival Director of SIFA, the photographs were already circulated in Singapore in the April 13, 2015 issue of TIME Magazine, which begs the question: Why now? And in his speech at the launch, he said the MDA only notified the festival three days before its opening date, without giving any reason for banning the images at The O.P.E.N.
As for MDA’s response, it is believed that some of the images included members from a terrorist-linked organisation that committed violent acts in the name of their cause.
“Singapore takes a firm stand against extremism, and will not allow photographs that undermine public order, national security and/or stability to be displayed,” an MDA spokesman told TODAY. MDA also does not pre-vet publications that are sold in Singapore, but will now review said issue of TIME Magazine.
Here’s an explanation from Ong.
The O.P.E.N. is on from now till Jul 9.
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