Documenta 15 exposed unresolved issues in Germany society. Germany establishment repression on Palestine Solidarity, institutional racism, xenophobia, McCarythism, a neofascist surge in the political landscape and failure of accountability and historical reckoning.

Hamja has spoken at leading Universities, media and academic journals on these issues such MACBA radio in Barcelona, Central Saint Martins University of London, also in Belgium and Slovenia.

To invite Hamja as a speaker or include his in academic work contact him.

Statement by Artists Union England on Hamja Ahsan Documenta 15 ordeal

“Artists’ Union England have been in touch with Hamja throughout the ongoing ordeal Documenta, the German media and the German State have put him through. 

It is clear to us as a union that our member has been subjected to an Islamophobic campaign as part of a wider effort to suppress criticism of Germany’s complicity in the actions of the Israeli State.

The attempt to prosecute him for comments made on social media about German politicians appears to be an absurd and dangerous overreach.

Many of our members are so concerned about the level of censorship and criminalisation in Germany, they have signed up to the Strike Germany campaign – withdrawing their labour from a majority of major German arts organisations over their complicity and direct engagement in the state repression of Palestine solidarity. 

In the UK, under collective pressure from unions including AUE and Equity as well as the wider arts community, it has become clear that DCMS pressured ACE to effectively create a climate of fear amongst arts organisations by issuing new guidance on ‘reputational risk’ to the organisations it funds. Collectively, we successfully challenged this change and forced a u-turn. The open letter AUE sent to ACE along with subsequent correspondence and statements is available here.

At a time when artists are facing censorship and losing work for vocalising support for Palestine, it’s crucial that we act together to make artists’ unions more robust; increasing and mobilising our memberships so we are able to more effectively fight for our artistic freedom to speak, work, and act, in solidarity. 

We express our full support for Hamja and artists everywhere who are facing repercussions for expressing international solidarity. Artists Union England stands with our members against anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, and all forms of racism.”