SASHA HUBER
 
 
FREE ZWARTE PIET
  


2019

It is time to Free Zwarte Piet (2019). He walks to freedom in his Dutch wooden clogs. I made this work in solidarity with all Black and Brown people in The Netherlands who have to endure official humiliation year after year, avoiding going out during the traditional St Nicholas celebrations, known as Sinterklaas, on December 5-6. This is the time when tens of thousands of Dutch people dress up in blackface, black Afro wigs and costumes to embody “Zwarte Piet” (Black Pete), who, as the story goes, accompanies St Nicholas as his “helper”.


Sasha Huber
, Free Zwarte Piet, Metal staples in burnt Dutch clogs, wooden lasts
, 30 x 13 x 20 cm, 2019