Two civil movement activists Vegetable Future Today they launched biodegradable red paint on the painting “First Tribute to Christopher Columbus” at the Naval Museum in Madrid, in an action that refers to the deep discomfort and condemnation in some sectors of Spanish society towards the conquest and colonization of America starting in the 16th century, a process that extended until the end of the 19th century.
The action, which has generated controversy and debate, sought to make visible the historical wounds of indigenous peoples and denounce the extractivist neocolonialism that persists today.
The painting by José Garnelo, which represents the first tribute to Christopher Columbus, was partially damaged in its left half, a report from the newspaper The Country.
The people present in the museum were evicted by officials, while the activists were detained until the arrival of the police.
The activists, who were carrying a banner with the motto “October 12, nothing to celebrate. Ecosocial justice”, were arrested by the National Police and accused of a crime against Heritage.
According to a statement from the climate collective, this action seeks to highlight that, for many indigenous peoples of America, October 12, 1492 symbolizes “dispossession and collective suffering.”
Oppression and exploitation
Futuro Vegetal denounced that the celebration of this date ignores the historical wounds and oppression that continues to this day. “It is the celebration of centuries of oppression, exploitation and genocide of the original population of Abya Yala,” said Luna Lagos, spokesperson for the movement, who urged the population to demonstrate against the celebration of the anniversary.
The author of the oil painting dedicated to the Genoese navigator, José Garnelo y Alda (Valencia, 1866-Montilla, 1944), was a cosmopolitan painter, tireless traveler and active academic. With the “First Tributes of Columbus” he obtained the Gold Medal at the Universal Exposition in Chicago in 1883.
Futuro Vegetal has linked this protest to the historical demands of indigenous peoples for reparation for the occupation of their territories.
In addition, the collective has denounced the extractivist neocolonialism that exploits the natural resources of Latin America and other regions of the world. Victòria Domingo, another spokesperson for the movement, urged citizens not to accept the anniversary as presented by the authorities and official historiography.
Guernica and the Palestinian cause
In parallel to the Futuro Vegetal action, the Reina Sofía Museum was the scene of another significant protest.
About twenty activists from Marea Palestine held a sit-in in front of Pablo Picasso’s iconic Guernica, carrying signs with the phrase “Stop genocide.”
This action sought to draw attention to the critical situation of the Palestinian people and demand an effective ceasefire, as well as the opening of humanitarian corridors.
After about 20 minutes of protest, the visitors were able to return, even though the participants in the protest were still sitting in front of the painting. With this protest action, Marea Palestine wanted to express its “demand to stop the genocide against the Palestinian people,” the organization said in a statement.
For the group, the imminent signing of a ceasefire sponsored by the United States, “although good news for the Palestinian people, is a mirage of peace shamefully accepted by our government.”
The group stated that “the genocide has not stopped, since the effects of the famine continue and the entry of humanitarian aid is not yet effective.”
This scenario, considered the Protestant group, makes it necessary to maintain social mobilization, the demand for a permanent arms embargo, the opening of humanitarian aid corridors and the evacuation and regrouping of Gazans who have requested it.
After about 40 minutes, the group ended the protest and vacated the room after shouting “Long live free Palestine,” the newspaper reported.
Pedro Sánchez’s government in Spain has maintained a position that seeks to balance support for the rights of the Palestinian people, including the existence of a Palestinian state, with guarantees of Israeli security.
