Documenta curators and artists reject antisemitism investigation findings in open letter

In response to accusations of institutional antisemitism highlighted in a report by Nicole Deitelhoff's committee, Documenta's curatorial team and over 100 artists have taken a stand. The report criticized the exhibition's atmosphere, particularly the 'Tokyo Reels' segment showcasing Masao Adachi's footage related to the 1972 Lod Airport massacre. An open letter addressed to Documenta's board, signed by ruangrupa and others, described experiences of 'smearing attacks,' 'humiliations, vandalism, and threats.' They condemned the report as a 'new line crossed,' arguing it lacks scientific validity and rigorous reasoning, and expressed their disapproval of the advisory panel due to censorship fears. The controversy also involves claims of pro-Palestine bias and the removal of antisemitic caricatures from Taring Padi's artwork, with the report asserting that Documenta fifteen's challenges reflect wider anti-Zionist attitudes.