MAKING AN EXHIBITION OF THEMSELVES
Climate activists target gallery’s links to BP with fake oil demo
NUDE Extinction Rebellion activists were covered in fake oil at the National Portrait Gallery yesterday to protest its links with BP.
Three semi-naked eco-warriors laid in the foetal position on the floor of the central London gallery while other activists poured a mixture of water, charcoal and organic flour over them.
The action, called Crude Truth, took place in the Ondaatje Wing main hall where several pieces are being shown as part of the Portrait Award exhibition, sponsored by the oil giant.
It comes after Extinction Rebellion brought two weeks of disruption to the capital, resulting in around 1,800 protesters being arrested. As visitors watched the protest, activist Eden, 19, called for the gallery to cut ties with BP. ‘Who will there be left to see, who will there be left to paint, if we have no Earth and no people?’, he said. ‘We cannot be artists on a dead planet. Oil means the end but art means the beginning.’
Meanwhile protesters handed out leaflets about BP’s contribution to the climate crisis. The three women laid on a plastic sheet for around five minutes while gallery staff appeared to close the hall doors. Onlookers clapped when they eventually got up.
The National Portrait Gallery says BP, which has supported it for 30 years, provides workshops for ‘younger artists developing their portrait-making practice’. A gallery display board reads: ‘We would like to extend our gratitude to BP for their continued support.’
Yesterday’s protest was set up with the groups BP or Not BP? and Culture Unstained. One activist who live-streamed the event online, said: ‘Even though you thought it was all over, [Extinction Rebellion] are still doing actions and trying to bring attention to the climate disaster.’
The action comes weeks after the Royal Shakespeare Company bowed to pressure from climate protesters to axe its eight-year sponsorship deal with BP – despite the firm giving £1million for subsidies for young people’s tickets.