The open letter, calling for Palestinian liberation and a ceasefire, was published on October 19 and gathered 8000,7 signatures. The letter was quickly criticized for not mentioning Hamas's attack on Israel on October <> or the Israeli hostages. In response to the criticism, an updated version of the letter was published a few days later.
"It is possible to criticize the letter, which has been done, not to mention the victims of Hamas, but there is a difference between having that type of conversation and punishing someone for expressing support for Palestine's civilian population," says Hanna Johansson, art editor at Svenska Dagbladet.
Last week, Artforum's management distanced itself from the letter and fired editor-in-chief David Velasco.
"It is remarkable to dismiss someone because of a position that should be uncomplicated, a position to act against an ongoing humanitarian crisis and ceasefire," says Hanna Johansson.
Artforum's management writes in its statement that the letter was published without the knowledge of some senior editorial board members and that it was misunderstood as a position statement from the journal.
Boycott of the magazine
Four of Artforum's editors have resigned in protest against the management's decision and a total of 50 employees at Artforum have signed a letter demanding that Velasco be reinstated. In the letter, they write, among other things, that the decision harms the journal's editorial independence.
Several prominent artists are also calling for a boycott of the magazine, including Nan Goldin and Kara Walker.
According to the New York Times, several artists have been pressured by art collectors to withdraw their signatures. An art museum in Ohio has also received demands to close an ongoing exhibition of Palestinian artist Jumana Manna, something it did not agree to.
"This sends out a signal that it is risky to express oneself in support of Palestine," says Hanna Johansson.