Tate commissions contemporary artist to respond to controversial Rex Whistler mural

Tate Britain plans to engage a contemporary artist to develop a site-specific installation that interacts with Rex Whistler's 1927 mural, 'The Expedition in Pursuit of Rare Meats,' which contains racist depictions. This mural, situated in the gallery’s restaurant, portrays enslaved Black children on leashes and caricatures of Chinese individuals. After a 2020 report from an independent ethics committee labeled the mural as 'offensive,' Tate received public criticism but opted to retain the Grade I-listed artwork, choosing instead to close the restaurant. In 2021, Tate consulted with artists, art historians, and community representatives to shape a new strategy. Rachel Noel emphasized that young audiences seek museums to confront challenging histories through open dialogues. Amia Srinivasan highlighted the discussions' disagreements regarding the mural's display, ultimately agreeing that Tate should acknowledge its past and foster wider conversations.