New York-based Walid Raad has become the second artist member of the activist group Gulf Labor to be denied entry into the United Arab Emirites.
Raad, who has exhibited at Venice Biennale, Documenta 11 in Kassel and the Whitney Biennial in New York, was turned away for ‘security reasons’ following his arrival at Dubai Airport. It follows a similar situation with Mumbai-based artist Ashok Sukumaran who was refused entry in March.
Raad was on his way to attend the Sharjah Biennial March Meeting (11-16 May) and to continue research for Gulf Labor into labour conditions on Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi. Gulf Labor wants to ensure that migrant worker rights are protected during the construction of museums and other institutions on the island. This includes the new Guggenheim Museum, designed by architect Frank Gehry.
In a statement published in full by Hyperallergic, Raad said: “Prior to my departure to the UAE, I had been in touch with government officials in the UAE, as well as officials from the Guggenheim Museum in New York, the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, and Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC). All were aware of my forthcoming visit. Many arranged or were arranging to meet with me and other Gulf Labor members.”
He added: “I’ve wondered for some time now whether travel bans and deportations will be the fate of artists, writers, and others who actually engage in this dynamic cultural exchange.”
Fellow Gulf Labor member and artist Ashok Sukumaran, whose visa was also denied this month, said: “We can only assume that this is part of a concerted effort, however ill-advised and misguided, by certain authorities to intimidate and limit movement and communication between artists, scholarly and cultural practitioners and the multitude of migrant peoples in the UAE. We believe this sets unacceptable precedents for any development of cultural exchange, discourse, and practice for the region.”
Gulf Labor’s latest report will be made public on 29 July 2015 at the Venice Biennale at the invitation of its curator Okwui Enwezor
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