#FREETHEDEGASTWO - Exhibition SHUTDOWN
REBELS DISRUPT THE MET, URGING IMMEDIATE SUPPORT FOR THE CLIMATE MOVEMENT
New York, NY - On Saturday, July 8th between the hours of 10:00am and 1:00pm, a group of approximately 40 climate activists, from Extinction Rebellion and Rise & Resist, shut down over eight exhibits at The Metropolitan Museum of Art (“The Met”). This marks the second protest at The Met in a span of two weeks, provoked by the extremely excessive charges pressed against Joanna Smith and Tim Martin (referred to as “The Degas Two”), both members of the climate group Declare Emergency, for their symbolic, nonviolent action at the National Gallery of Art on April 27th, 2023. It is important to note that no direct damage to the artwork occurred or was attempted, and the estimated total damage to the Degas installation amounts to a mere $2,400.
Following the wave of climate protests occurring in museums, the group opted for a shift in approach. They silently sat in front of multiple artworks throughout The Met, holding signs with messages such as “No Art On a Dead Planet” and “No Fashion On a Dead Planet.” Most importantly, they refrained from touching any art pieces. This change aims to challenge the negative public discourse in which climate activists have been accused of “attacking” irreplaceable artwork to underscore the pressing need for immediate action in addressing the climate and ecological crisis.
The planetary crisis transcends political affiliation and affects everyone. As with many cultural institutions, The Met is entangled within destructive financial and political systems, influenced by wealthy donors and corporate sponsors associated with industries that contribute to the climate crisis. This impedes the museum's ability to fulfill its crucial role in enabling people to comprehend their lives and give voice to the ineffable.
To restore a safe and stable climate, society must embrace systemic change. Such change requires a fundamental shift in the values upheld by society. Cultural institutions play a vital dual role. Not only do they mirror the prevailing values of society, but they can also provoke a questioning of, and lead to a transformation in, society’s values and choices.
Extinction Rebellion NYC aims to inspire, rather than dictate, the response of museums. The organization urges the Met and other cultural institutions to demonstrate integrity by leveraging their status, resources, and influence to make a substantial impact on the climate movement. Integrity requires upholding values through action, not mere words, to preserve and safeguard our cherished treasures (including nature), for reflection and social discourse.
The group is committed to maintaining pressure on the government and exposing its repression of the climate movement. Meanwhile fossil fuel companies, the real criminals, and the broader establishment are not held accountable for their deception and inaction regarding the climate crisis over the past 50 years. In support of the #FreeTheDegasTwo campaign, the public is encouraged to sign a petition urging Assistant U.S. District Attorney Cameron A. Tepfer to dismiss the charges against Joanna Smith and Tim Martin.
Quotes
"While it may have been acceptable in the 20th century, The Met displays its complacency by featuring Karl Lagerfeld as its main exhibit. This trivial pursuit is reminiscent of Nero fiddling while Rome burned. The institution is more focused on preserving the status quo of influence and wealth, showcasing its vast resources and Van Goghs, while neglecting the urgent issues at hand," said Shayok Mukhopadhyay, spokesperson for Extinction Rebellion.
Jack Baldwin, a news media liaison for Extinction Rebellion, said, "The climate crisis has already surpassed its equivalent of a 'Pearl Harbor' event. It is severe, urgent, and calls for a response comparable to a wartime mobilization from all sectors of society. Cultural institutions are not exempt from this responsibility. In World War II, museums played a crucial role in educating the public, boosting morale, and supporting military efforts."
"This is an urgent call for cultural institutions to step up to the occasion and safeguard our social fabric while there is still time. If we do not want to abandon humanity and the natural world, we must take action now. We can no longer afford to waste time on mere lip service. After all, there can be no art without life?," said Emma Jacobs, spokesperson for Extinction Rebellion.
Other Location
On Friday, June 7th, Extinction Rebellion LA staged a solidarity demonstration in front of the renowned bronze sculpture "The Little Fourteen-Year-Old Dancer" by Edgar Degas, exhibited at the Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena, California.
