Image Credit: East Tennessee State University
The Tennessee Conservative [By Paula Gomes] –
A publicly funded university in Tennessee is hosting a politically driven exhibit masquerading as art. The pieces on display at East Tennessee State University’s (ETSU) Reece Museum include “artwork” that equates Nazi swastikas with Christian crosses and likens conservatives and Christians to Adolf Hitler.
The Fletcher Exhibit, held in remembrance of a former student who passed away in 2009, invites artists to submit pieces addressing “global issues.”
According to Campus Reform, one of the more controversial pieces features a likeness of House Speaker Mike Johnson. Behind Johnson is a background of Nazi swastikas that are changing into Christian crosses. Titled “Evolution” by creator Joel Gibbs, the piece showcases his political opinion that there is a correlation between “right-wing” Christian groups and fascism.
Gibbs told WJHL that he thinks of his artwork as “a very large political cartoon.”
Another collage shows depictions of President-elect Trump amid swastikas, Hitler, and KKK imagery, while conservative figures are represented next to slogans that are antisemitic in nature.
There is no official theme guiding the 90 plus pieces of artwork in the museum’s exhibit, but exhibit co-director Carrie Dyer supports “artwork that advocates for democracy, voting rights, and confronts systemic racism.”
Criticisms of the exhibit have come from state and federal lawmakers as well as students on campus.
Republican Johnson City Senator Rusty Crowe called Gibbs’ leftist statement piece “hateful” and “divisive” and not an accurate representation of “our Northeast Tennessee spirit.”
Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger also expressed that she was “deeply appalled” by what she called a “hateful display” and “abhorrent mockery of my Christian faith.” Harshbarger said she was disappointed that such artwork had been allowed to be displayed on the campus that is funded by taxpayer dollars and called for its immediate removal.
Congressman Tim Burchett also wrote a letter to ETSU, requesting that the exhibit be taken down.
Brian Noland, ETSU’s President, said in a statement that he personally finds some of the views being expressed in the exhibit “abhorrent.” Noland stated that he is the son of a veteran and a Christian himself, and is well aware of the public backlash regarding this year’s exhibit, but as the president of a public university, he must ensure that ETSU follows state law as well as the constitution of the United States.
The Fletcher Exhibit which opened September 30th is scheduled to remain on campus until December 6th.
About the Author: Paula Gomes is a Tennessee resident and reporter for The Tennessee Conservative. You can reach Paula at paula@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
One Response
Lucifer’s leftists need funding stopped.