# Artistic expression and censorship disputes

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/artistic-expression-and-censorship-disputes
> Updated: 2026-09-02T16:59:00.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2.

Controversies regarding artistic expression and censorship have emerged in Colombia and Spain.

In Colombia, former President Gustavo Petro criticized the removal of murals from Inravisión facilities in Bogotá by the new management of the Public Media System. The removed artworks depicted historical and cultural figures, including Simón Bolívar and Gabriel García Márquez, as well as a mural of Petro’s 2024 UN speech. Petro characterized the removal as a “communicational battle”.

In Spain, the Diputación de Valladolid canceled the opening of an exhibition by artist Íñigo Varona titled ‘La Otra Transición vallisoletana’. Varona has accused the administration of ideological censorship concerning works that document far-right aggression during the transition period. The Culture department denied these claims, stating the artist did not follow procedural norms regarding content disclosure.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-02: Artistic expression faces scrutiny in Colombia and Spain

Controversies over art and historical memory have emerged in Colombia and Spain, involving the removal of murals in Bogotá and the cancellation of a historical exhibition in Valladolid.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/artistic-expression-faces-scrutiny-in-colombia-and-spain

### 2026-09-02: Art exhibitions open in Paraguay and Spain

New art exhibitions are opening in Paraguay and Spain, featuring works on wetlands by 18 artists in Areguá and watercolor/collage landscapes by Blanca Escrigas in Galicia.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/art-exhibitions-open-in-paraguay-and-spain

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Cite as: Artistic expression and censorship disputes. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/artistic-expression-and-censorship-disputes