RA removes works over antisemitism claims

The Royal Academy of Arts (RA) has removed two artworks after an open letter from the Board of Deputies of British Jews raised “significant concerns” that they contained “antisemitic tropes and messaging”.

The letter, posted on X on 15 July, by Vice-President Andrew Gilbert, complained about three works, saying they had “significant concern to members of our community”,  displaying “highly charged and controversial messages” with “no attempt to present any context”.

RA told The Art Newspaper that after careful review, it had removed two works from its Young Artist's Show, adding that it recognised an exhibition for and by young people is "not an appropriate environment for volatile public discourse”. The statement apologised for any hurt or distress caused to artists or visitors.

One of the removed pieces was described in the open letter as including the words, “Jews say stop genocide on Palestinians: Not in Our Name”, while the second was said to portray a screaming woman and a swastika.

Gilbert also condemned a third work in the Summer Exhibition by an RA academician. The charcoal drawing, which includes a pilot and plane bearing the Star of David, remains on display and for sale for £17,000.