Pro-Palestine protest art covered at Massey University
The stairwell today compared to Friday morning. Photo / Massive
On Friday, pro-Palestine protest art and red slime was found covering the three-story stairwell in the Massey Wellington Fine Arts block.
But despite Fine Arts students allegedly being told they are allowed to paint in the space, the art has been covered and the building is closed to both staff and students.
Massive attempted to get into the building on Friday but was told by security that the building was closed for “maintenance”.
A two-page letter, that has now been removed, was left in the entrance way addressed to the Bachelor of Fine Arts staff.
A letter confronting BFA staff was left on a whiteboard. Photo / Luka Maresca
It listed the names of Fine Arts lecturers and staff, “You are leaders in this space and we look to you as role models.”
“Israel has destroyed all 12 universities in Gaza. We want to know why you have said nothing.”
This quote was painted on the walls. The letter said, “There is nothing appropriate about ignoring the incomprehensible suffering of Palestinians.”
A quote from a Massive article was painted along the wall. Photo / Sammy Carter
A Massey spokesperson said police had not been contacted and an internal investigation would be carried out.
They said maintenance removed the wet paint on the stairs, due to it posing a health and safety risk.
An email was sent to College of Creative Art students yesterday which said the building would be “locked and unavailable to access until Monday at the earliest”. The email did not provide any context relating to the protest art.
The spokesperson said, “We encourage our students and staff to discuss and engage in informed debate as is appropriate for a university.”
The three-story stairwell was covered head to toe in paint. Photo / Luka Maresca
“Massey University respects the right of students to peacefully protest, and we ask that all students, regardless of their views, respect the opinions and choices of their peers.”
“We are mindful of ensuring that our workplace and place of learning and research is safe for everyone.”
A student involved who wished to remain anonymous said their asking Massey to make a public a stance, offer scholarships to Palestinians, and divest ties with Israel.
The university’s namesake, William Massey, was painted on the wall in a recreation of the famous Saturn Devouring His Son painting.
Saturn Devouring His Son painting recreated with William Ferguson Massey. Photo / Sammy Carter
The student said, "Bill Massey is like a symbol for the complicity of Massey and their avoidance of owning up to their place and power."
William Massey is often known for his racist actions and remarks during his time as Prime Minister.
The student expected the university would be "pissed off", however, said they aren't technically breaking any rules.
“We are not trying to blame the staff for the institution’s decisions, rather we are requesting that they actively show solidarity with the students to challenge Massey’s refusal to take a stance on genocide."
The group painted 12 sunbirds, Palestine’s national bird, on the wall to represent the 12 universities that have been lost in Gaza. Photo / Sammy Carter
The student felt that they are encouraged by lecturers to be political in theory but aren’t supported to actually take action.
Being the College of Creative Arts, the student felt that they should be able to share their political views in a creative way.
In retaliation to the building closure, student Paul Boyle scattered posters around the Graphic Design Block which said, “MASSEY SUPPORTS GENOCIDE”.
A student attempted to spread this poster in response to the Fine Arts block being closed. Photo / Supplied
Boyle said, “I had 2 security guards following me around the building trying to tell me I wasn’t allowed to post graphic design around the graphic design block.”
Massey University has been contacted for further comment.
