The Spear Archives

Brett Murray's controversial painting The Spear (2010) depicted South African President Jacob Zuma in a Leninist pose with his genitals exposed. This was part of his exhibition Hail to the Thief II which was intended as a satirical critique of political power, corruption, and the perceived moral decay within the ruling African National Congress (ANC). Protests and marches on the gallery were orchestrated by the state. The painting sparked national outrage and ignited fierce debate about the limits of artistic expression, respect for cultural values, and freedom of speech.

The gallery owner and staff and both the artist and his assistant all received death threats. The artist had to close his studio and move to a safe house due to these very real threats. The gallery and the artist were indicted by the state and the president to remove the painting from the show. They refused.

The painting was eventually defaced at the Goodman Gallery in Johannesburg. This appeared stage managed. The attempt to forcibly remove the painting from the gallery through the courts failed miserably....