Nicosia, Cyprus. Controversial painter Giorgos Gavriel said on Wednesday that provoking discussion and raising questions are vital elements of artistic creation and shape an artwork’s value. His comments followed public backlash over an artwork depicting President Nikos Christodoulides dressed as a sex worker.
Artist says art should provoke and challenge
Gavriel told the Cyprus News Agency (CNA) that art is not only meant to please the eye but can also provoke, offend, awaken, shake, and trouble audiences. He said artists must be free to express what they consider critical, even if it disturbs or shocks, because such work can contribute to socio-political change.
Artwork posted online amid campaign finance allegations
Gavriel’s comments came after one of his artworks went viral on Monday. He had posted the piece on his Facebook account with the title “Cash only!”.
He told CNA the work was created in the context of a recently leaked video which suggested the president and several associates had broken the law regarding campaign finances. Gavriel said artists express themselves according to the emotions and concerns prompted by events, regardless of the reactions their work may provoke.
Public exhibition and societal role
Gavriel said the purpose of an artwork lies in its public exhibition rather than in artistic value judged by experts. He described artists as “sensitive receivers” who mirror society and political events, and he dismissed questions about whether works like his could damage the president institutionally or as an individual.
He said, “Unfortunately, the president does not need me to harm his institution, he is doing just fine on his own with his associates, based on what we saw in the video, but also with the policy he follows on various issues such as the genocide of the Palestinians in Gaza.”
Limits of artistic expression
Asked whether his art violated limits of artistic expression, Gavriel said limits were not determined by how offensive an artwork might be but by whether it infringes fundamental human rights. He added that attempts to limit artistic freedom are a blow to democracy and a setback for society.
How do you view the balance between artistic freedom and potential offence in political art?