Confronting Bodies: Bulgarian Government
Date of Action: January 2009
Specific Location: Brussels, European Council building
Description of Artwork: An eight-tonne mosaic resembling a snap-out plastic modelling kit, showing Bulgaria as a series of squat toilets. This is part of an installation called Entropa, commissioned by the Czech Republic, which lampoons stereotypes of the EU's 27 members.
Description of Incident: Entropa, commissioned by the Czech Republic to adorn EU headquarters in Brussels, has caused a sensation, and some embarrassment, across Europe. The work lampoons stereotypes of the EU's 27 members - David Cerny's depiction of Bulgaria was that of several squat toilets. Bulgaria issued a formal protest.
Results of Incident: The Czech government and the artist apologized and shrouded the artwork in a black sheet. The artwork is expected to remain on show in the lobby of the European Council building until July - for the duration of the Czech EU presidency.
Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7840187.stm
Submitted By: Teresa Koberstein, NCAC