Entropa - symbol of free speech
Thursday, January 15, 2009 It is reported that "The Czech EU presidency has apologised for an art installation it commissioned that lampoons national stereotypes" (see HERE and HERE). Sadly, even the artist David Cerny has expressed regret. He has no need to. This is the most wickedly funny artwork I have ever seen.
Normally you would have to drag me kicking and screaming into an art exhibition. This, however, is something I would happily cross the Channel to see. As The Times reports:
Entropa, a garish depiction of the 27 member states created to mark the Czech Republic’s presidency of the EU, revealed its full glory when it was switched on. The eyes lit up on the vampire representing Romania, Greece glowed red with bushfires and Italian soccer players began to masturbate with their footballs.
If the EU can't see the funny side then we really are better off out. Actually, I suspect that the installation - currently on view at the European Council building in Brussels - will be a smash hit with visitors from all over the world.
Entropa is a welcome symbol of free speech. It demonstrates that political statements don't have to be hectoring or boring. They can be funny as well.
How ironic that genuine liberals in countries like Britain now look to former Eastern bloc states like the Czech Republic for inspiration and leadership.
Apologise? I should think not.
Reader Comments (4)
I understand that the best part is that the UK is not part of the EU on that 'map'.
The TICAP conference should be interesting as it is my first time I have been there. My guess it is full of earnest, po faced MEPs and civil servants who don't like their facts debated.
Nice work!
An unverified and slightly drinken source claims options for representation of the UK to have included:
1/ A neat little jacketed poodle with it's tongue lolling out into the Atlantic and it's hindleg cocked in the direction of fair France
2/ £ jumping off Beachy Head rather than submit to Prudence's deathray
3/ A once-mighty machine that just doesn't work anymore
4/ A virtual prison made of watchful eyes
Here you can sign the petition against the censorship of Entropa:
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/entropa/