Spear

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.