UK Labour Council Faces Backlash Over Exhibition Accused of Depicting Jews as “Blood-Soaked, Baby-Eating Demons”

Image: Jihad Watch

An art exhibition in Margate, Kent, has sparked significant controversy after being accused of promoting anti-Semitic imagery and themes. The exhibition, titled Drawings Against Genocide, is being held at an independent gallery and features hundreds of crude illustrations that critics argue rely on offensive and harmful stereotypes about Jewish people.

The artwork is created by Matthew Collings, a 70-year-old former prominent art critic. Collings has defended his work, stating that the exhibition aims to “raise consciousness about hell” and described Israel’s actions in Gaza as a central inspiration. However, several Jewish advocacy groups and political figures have strongly condemned the exhibition, calling the images “grotesque” and warning that they are not only deeply offensive but potentially dangerous.

The controversy intensified after it emerged that the Labour-led Thanet District Council had seemingly supported the exhibition. The council’s tourism platform, Visit Thanet, had previously listed the event with details about its dates and venue, although the page has since been removed. This has led to criticism from political leaders, including Chris Philp, who accused the council of endorsing extremist and anti-Semitic content.

Among the artworks drawing the most backlash is an illustration displayed at Joseph Wales Studios, depicting auctioneers at Sotheby’s consuming babies, with exaggerated and disturbing imagery. The piece has been widely circulated online, with critics asserting that it perpetuates long-standing anti-Semitic tropes. Alex Hearn, from Labour Against Antisemitism, described the portrayal as depicting Jewish people as “blood-soaked, baby-eating demons.”

Collings has rejected these accusations, arguing that his work does not explicitly reference Jewish people. He stated that the controversial imagery is intended as a critique of Zionism, which he described as a “brutal ideology,” rather than a depiction of Judaism or Jewish individuals.

Additional artworks in the exhibition have also drawn criticism, including depictions of an Israel Defense Forces soldier standing over blood and human remains, and imagery involving the Star of David presented in a violent context. Another illustration portrays Lisa Nandy, the UK Culture Secretary, alongside symbols suggesting financial ties to Israel, further fueling political outrage.

Authorities have taken note of the situation, with Kent Police confirming that they are making inquiries into the exhibition. The incident has reignited broader debates around freedom of artistic expression, political critique, and the boundaries between provocative art and hate speech.

(This Article was originally published by Jihad Watch)