<p>Charles Kraft is well known for ironic images that include Hitler and Nazi imagery. Like a teapot of Hitler’s head. That particular object was bought by a Jewish collector and donated to a museum.</p>
<p>Turns out they weren’t so ironic after all. A story in The Stranger, a newspaper in Seattle, reveals that he is actually a white supremacist. He’s a holocaust denier who appears in podcats on The White Network, whose marketing slogan is “Whites Talking to Whites About White Interests.” And no, they explicitly say “Jews are not White”. The article includes direct quotes from him that in many countries would be criminal offenses.</p>
<p>The article includes comments by former friends who have given up on him. Here’s one quote: “It’s not only anti-Semitic stuff, it’s also racism—you know, blacks and women and anything that is held dear by the liberal establishment. And I can see a reaction against holier-than-thou attitudes, I mean, yeah, of course. But…”</p>
<p>I find this hilarious. (I’m Jewish.) </p>
<p>We have a freaking Nazi lover passing his work off as ironic so he can put swastikas and pictures of Hitler out in public, into collections and into museums.</p>
<p>I have a hard time understanding how anyone would have considered swastikas or faces of Hitler as art, ironic or otherwise. I appreciate all kinds of art, however I don’t think I could see a teapot of Hitler’s head as art. </p>
<p>maybe this is too literal, but I agree with the Maya Angelou quote,
“The first time someone shows you who they are, believe them.”</p>
<p>Hi
I saw the post few days ago but did not know where it went.
I think the artist is looking for publicity, being aging and local he might be needing some sort of breakthrough.</p>
<p>Interesting discussion. I don’t think Kraft is in need of publicity. It sounds like he is a genuine anti-semite.</p>
<p>The question of whether his art is satyrical or not is interesting. I’m not sure it matters as his viewers and buyers sure felt it was when it was made. The satire sends a different message than is espoused by Kraft’s podcasts, etc. now. I think the art itself is getting the last laugh.</p>
<p>Hi
Then it must be the use of social network that made the artist sounds ever more opinionated?
If it was not his intention to be taken as satrical, it was easy to state so from the get go with the artist statement or on interviews.
If he really wanted to make points, he could have refused the gallery advance and/or purchase offer that came from miscommunication.
I am interested in why now, at this point of his career, that this story came to surface from mostly his (ex?) friends and corespondents.
I asked about this new book in the other place.
Have anyone read it?
I have not yet but something to think about for everyone who is involved.
[Give</a> Me Everything You Have: On Being Stalked by James Lasdun ? review | Books | The Observer](<a href=“http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2013/feb/16/give-me-everything-stalked-lasdun-review]Give”>Give Me Everything You Have: On Being Stalked by James Lasdun – review | Autobiography and memoir | The Guardian)</p>
<p>I hadn’t heard of the book but it looks like an interesting read. Are you wondering if Katz is in a similar situation and is having his reputation ruined by others via social media? </p>
<p>He openly participates in podcasts, interviews, etc. and, it seems, while evasive, is not strongly denying his ideology.</p>
<p>Hi
I don’t know if that, or he is well aware of the buzz his podcast (old?) is now creating and taking ride on it until…?
The point I think, I wanted to make is, it is no longer within one’s control once anything is posted in the web.
Anyone can copy and send the file to anyone it will spread like giant wildfire and become something else that is monstrous, like the Harry Potter book 7’s cursed fire.
Does it make sense?</p>
<p>Whatitsays, I read the links. If you are seriously defending this loathsome man and his repulsive views, then shame on you. Open your eyes. People like this exist; it isn’t invented by “stalking” writers. If I ever saw him in person, I would happily spit in his face. It’s better than he deserves.</p>
<p>Hi
Are you talking about the artist, or the book link?
I assume it is about the artist?
No, I do not support his view if that is really his view.
Just that, I do not know him in person, more likely never will meet him in person. I would never know for sure.
There was one article mentioned that if it happened in NYC or Boston, he’d be booted out. I can now see that is the case.</p>