Artist Nicholas Galanin withdrew from a symposium tied to the Smithsonian American Art Museum exhibition “The Shape of Power: Stories of Race and American Sculpture,” alleging that organizers asked him not to record the event or share footage on social media. The symposium, a private event not publicly listed on the Smithsonian’s website, also included curator Hamza Walker, artists Titus Kaphar and Miguel Luciano, and critic Aruna D’Souza. Galanin stated on Instagram that the request effectively censored participants, though a Smithsonian spokesperson denied censorship, citing that not all participants consented to recording. The exhibition was previously singled out by President Donald Trump in an executive order criticizing the Smithsonian for promoting “divisive, race-centered ideology.”
This incident matters because it highlights the ongoing tension between artistic freedom and government oversight of cultural institutions. Trump’s executive order and the Smithsonian’s response reflect a broader political struggle over how museums address race and history. Galanin’s withdrawal underscores concerns about self-censorship and institutional pressure under the current administration, raising questions about the independence of federally funded museums and the limits of free expression in public programming.