Artwork at a Nelson gallery featuring a New Zealand flag inviting viewers to “please walk on me” has been removed as a safety precaution.
“Flagging the Future” was put on display at Suter Art Gallery in Nelson as part of a multimedia exhibit featuring the works of Māori artist and weaver Diane Prince.
The piece was a 2024 recreation of an artwork which went on display at Auckland Art Gallery in 1995 which was also pulled due to controversy.
In a statement posted to social media this evening, Suter Art Gallery said the piece has “generated significant public response” since the exhibition opened.
“While many have engaged with the work thoughtfully and respectfully, recent days have seen a sharp escalation in the tone and nature of the discourse, moving well beyond the bounds of respectful debate,” the statement read.
“The safety of our staff, visitors, and artworks in our care is our top priority. In light of these developments, we have decided to remove the work as a precautionary measure.
President of the Nelson branch of the Returned and Services’ Association Barry Pont told Local Democracy Reporting that his reaction to seeing the artwork was one of “shock horror”.
“Over the years, we’ve fought under the New Zealand flag and to wipe your feet on it is an insult in my eyes,” he said.
“You’ve got to give and take a bit, but this is beyond the joke, I think… I don’t mind the flag lying on the floor, but not with the wording ‘wipe your feet’. That’s an insult to New Zealand’s flag.”
In the post announcing the removal of the artwork, the gallery said: “This should not be interpreted as a judgement on the artwork or the artist’s intent. We continue to support freedom of expression and the vital role that art plays in reflecting and shaping national conversations in a democratic society.”
