Greek Artists Demand Removal of Works from National Gallery in Protest Over Vandalised Exhibition Delay

In a dramatic escalation of tensions surrounding the National Gallery – Alexandrols Soutsos Museum, 29 prominent Greek artists, academics, and legal representatives of creators have called for the temporary withdrawal of their works from the institution’s exhibitions.

Their demand, outlined in an open letter dated April 10, 2025, stems from the ongoing delay in re-exhibiting vandalised artworks from the “Seduction of the Strange” exhibition, which was attacked last month.

National Gallery Director Syrago Tsiara, however, reassured the public today that the works will return within a month, accompanied by enhanced security measures.

The controversy erupted exactly one month ago, on March 10, 2025, when Nikos Papadopoulos, a Member of Parliament from the far-right Niki (Victory) party, vandalised artworks by artist Christoforos Katsadiotis during the “Seduction of the Strange” exhibition. Labeling the pieces “offensive” to Orthodox Christian beliefs, Papadopoulos’ actions prompted the immediate removal of the damaged works for restoration. Despite promises of a swift return, the artworks remain absent from the gallery, sparking outrage among the artistic community.

In their letter, addressed to Culture Minister Lina Mendoni, Director Tsiara, and the gallery’s board, the signatories—including renowned artists, professors, and heirs of celebrated creators—condemned the delay as an affront to artistic freedom, constitutionally protected under Article 16 of the Greek Constitution. “Excuses such as ‘the conditions for their safe re-exhibition are being examined with experts’ insult our intelligence and raise questions about the real reasons for this negligence,” the letter states. The group demands the temporary removal of their own works until the vandalised pieces are reinstated, warning that the gallery’s inaction undermines its role as a guardian of democratic values and cultural expression.

Speaking today at a press tour for the gallery’s new exhibition, Panayiotis Tetsis – The Obsession of the Gaze, set to open tonight, Tsiara addressed the controversy. She confirmed that Katsadiotis’ works would return within a month, bolstered by heightened security protocols. Additionally, she announced a two-day symposium in May, featuring art theorists and Orthodox clergy, to foster a calm and democratic dialogue on art, religion, and blasphemy.

The artists’ letter concludes with a pointed challenge: “We call on the National Gallery and the Ministry of Culture to act in accordance with the law and immediately reinstall the removed works, as dictated by the Constitution and our democratic system. Otherwise, what kind of culture are we talking about?”

The incident and its aftermath have ignited a broader debate in Greece and beyond about the intersection of art, faith, and free expression, with the international Greek diaspora closely watching how this cultural standoff unfolds.

(Source: To Vima)