Index on Censorship has just posted this story about Palestinian (but London based) artist Larissa Sansour. It is claimed that she was originally shortlisted for the Lacoste Elysée Prize, but that she was withdrawn because her submitted work was too pro-Palestinian. Sansour asserts that she was asked to approve a statement saying that she had withdrawn from the prize of her own accord ‘in order to pursue other opportunities’.
An email seen by Index on Censorship, introducing shortlisted artists to each other, appears to confirm that Sansour was on the original list of eight artists and collaborators. The other seven nominees named in the email from the prize organisers remain on the published shortlist.
Of course there may be more to this story, some other explanation, and it will be interesting to hear if Lacoste eventually responds to Index on Censorship’s request for more information.
Update Here is an update from Index on Censorship.
Update 2 And a further update.
Following criticism over the removal of Palestinian artist Larissa Sansour from the short list of the Lacoste Elysee prize, Lacoste announced today their decision to cancel participation and support to the Elysée Prize on the account of the situation, and in order to “avoid any misunderstanding.”
The Musée de l’Elysée also announced today that they have decided to suspend the competition, based on “the private partner’s wish to exclude Larissa Sansour.” They also added that they “reaffirm” their support for Sansour, for “the artistic quality of her work and her dedication.”
The museum said that their decision reaffirms “commitment” to their “fundamental values.” And said that the decision to suspend the prize is in line with their history of defending “artists, their work, freedom of the arts and of speech.”
