A massive portrait of British singer Ed Sheeran in Dunedin, New Zealand, has become the center of political debate after a “Free Palestine” tag was painted across the artwork. Artist Tyler Kennedy Stent, who created the mural on Bath Street in 2018, stated that the graffiti is a welcome addition to the work, according to reporting by Radio New Zealand (RNZ).
The Origins of the Bath Street Mural and Recent Vandalism
The large portrait of Ed Sheeran was originally painted on a Dunedin building in 2018 ahead of the artist’s three concerts at the Forsyth Barr Stadium. This week, the artwork was defaced when large black lettering reading “Free Palestine” was written across the bottom of the piece on Thursday morning.
The vandalism follows a controversy involving supporting acts on Sheeran’s tour. Rapper Macklemore was removed from the tour after making pro-Palestinian comments during a performance at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey earlier this month, shouting “Free Palestine!” and telling Palestinians they were “not forgotten.” Following that decision, other supporting acts announced they were also quitting the tour.
Promoter Decisions Versus Artist Involvement
According to 1News, Ed Sheeran addressed the lineup changes in a lengthy Instagram post, clarifying that he did not make the decision to drop Macklemore. Sheeran stated that the rapper’s contract was ended by the promoter, Messina Touring Group, because tour venues communicated they would pull the shows if the rapper remained on the bill.
Despite the unauthorized nature of the graffiti, muralist Tyler Kennedy Stent embraced the modification. “Ngā mihi nui to the person who wrote ‘Free Palestine’ on the mural,” Stent said, while urging the Dunedin City Council to view the addition as a valuable component of the artwork rather than simple damage.
Did you know?
Ed Sheeran performed in Australia and New Zealand earlier this year, breaking attendance records for several stadiums, according to RNZ.
Historical Parallels and the Role of Public Figures
Stent drew a parallel between current events and New Zealand’s past, noting that his background in South Africa makes him particularly sensitive to international pressure on political issues. He referenced the 1981 Springbok tour as a historical example where citizens refused to separate sports and culture from human rights.
“I believe the same responsibility extends to celebrities and others with public platforms and influence,” Stent said, adding that remaining apolitical in the face of serious human rights violations enables the status quo to continue.
Council Response and Removal Plans
A spokesperson for the Dunedin City Council acknowledged the strong public sentiment surrounding Ed Sheeran at present, but maintained that the council does not condone vandalising public street art. According to the council, any future decisions regarding the removal of the text will be up to the building owner in consultation with the Street Art Trust.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who painted the Ed Sheeran mural in Dunedin?
The mural was painted by artist Tyler Kennedy Stent in 2018.
Why was Macklemore removed from the tour?
According to Ed Sheeran, the promoter Messina Touring Group ended Macklemore’s contract after venues threatened to pull shows following the rapper’s pro-Palestinian remarks.
What is the local council’s stance on the graffiti?
The Dunedin City Council stated it does not condone vandalism, noting that any removal of the text is up to the building owner and the Street Art Trust.
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