A Russian photograph depicting two kissing policemen by a Russian art collective has been excluded (banned?) from an exhibition of contemporary Russian art due to be exhibited in Paris next week. Alexander Sokolov, Russia’s culture minister has banned the photo entitled Kissing Policemen (An Epoch of Clemency).
Apparently Mr Sokolov sees the photo as a political provocation and has banned it together with 16 other works. (via Guardian Online)
Well no one will try to argue that Russia is a tolerant society or that the position of minister of culture is there to promote the arts.
The photo is a variation on, or homage to, the British artist Banksy’s Kissing policemen.
Kissing Policemen by Banksy (photo by David Singleton)