Brett Murray’s satirical and provocative 1.85m portrait of President Jacob Zuma titled “Spear” part of a body of political work entitled “Hail to the Thief II”, which was displayed at the Goodman Gallery in 2012, caused much mayhem as well as philosophical debates.
The portrait depicts me in a manner that suggests I am a philanderer, a womaniser and one with no respect. It is an undignified depiction of my personality and seeks to create doubt about my personality in the eyes of fellow citizens, family and children – Jacob Zuma
I was inspired to write this poem as I watched the event and debates unfold.
What a colorful strange nation
Whiteman paints red man as black man as bad man
Goodman displays bad man
White man smears red paint
Black man sprays black paint
Black guard attacks black man
Spear becomes smear
Portrait defaced, circumcised
Principles in question
Human dignity
Freedom of expression
Politicians going to court
Bullies flexing their muscles
Artists in hiding
Newspaper boycotted
Churches a stoning
Mobs are marching
Parties got to talking
And, an understanding reached
Court case dropped
Mobs demobilised, artist still in hiding
Smeared sprayed painting to survive
Salute our beloved colorful country
The spear has not fallen
Neither has bad man
Hail to the thief
