Artist group Fisherwomxn has condemned the Deputy Ministry of Culture’s decision to withdraw their publication from Cyprus’s pavilion at the 19th Venice Architecture Biennale, labelling the move as an act of state censorship.
In a statement released on June 4, Fisherwomxn reported that the Deputy Ministry requested the removal of both physical and online versions of the book following media reports that criticised the publication as “a dangerous book for the nation.” The collective expressed concern over the decision, stating that selected excerpts were taken out of context to serve political agendas, omitting other parts.
“The hasty decision to withdraw the publication following the public attacks is shocking to us. This is an act of state censorship,” the group stated. They emphasised that the publication, funded by the Deputy Ministry, does not necessarily reflect the views of the Cypriot state or any government, but solely those of the contributing authors.
The publication, which accompanies the exhibition “(to the stones) we lent you our breath, and you whispered it back to the earth,” includes contributions in Cypriot Greek, Cypriot Turkish, and English. Fisherwomxn stressed the importance of using these languages, stating, “The fact that the use of the languages we speak – Cypriot Greek and Cypriot Turkish – causes such a public outcry makes it more urgent than ever to insist on using them.”
Deputy Culture Minister Vasiliki Kassianidou ordered the withdrawal, citing “problematic references” over the 1974 Turkish invasion and the lack of official approval for the publication. She asserted that the ministry must ensure transparency and proper procedures when the state is officially represented abroad.
The controversy emerged after DIKO MP Pavlos Mylonas, chairman of the House Education Committee, raised “serious issues of executive control over what receives funding” following coverage in Phileleftheros. Mylonas has scheduled the matter for parliamentary discussion, describing the book as containing “historical inaccuracies that raise serious questions about executive oversight of funded projects”.
“The fact that the book, translated into English, circulates abroad makes this issue dangerous for our national cause,” Mylonas said, confirming the Deputy Culture Minister will be called to explain the matter to parliament.
In their statement, Fisherwomxn reaffirmed their commitment to protecting freedom of speech, stating, “We do not accept this blatant act of censorship. We stand by our team and collaborators in the steps to come.”
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