Various. Anti Censuur Protest Read In.

(Antwerp and Brussels): Uitg. Krea, 1968. First edition.  Poster.  Two posters, one for the reading in Antwerp, March 15, 1968 and one for the reading in Brussels at the Paleis voor Schone Kunsten, May 20, 1968.  Following a period of confiscation of books, magazines, manuscripts and prints the writers and Antwerps of  Belgium finally took action after the playful article ‘De Penisgroet’ by Hermann J. Claeys which appeared in the stencilled magazine Daele caused a great commotion and the entire edition of the magazine was confiscated by the BOB.  (Claeys proposed to replace the civil handshake with a crotch grab). This action was seen by authors as yet another attack on freedom of expression, freedom of the press and the personal freedom of the artist. In response, a petition was started, in which the authors called for resistance against – what they saw as – the development of Belgium in the direction of a police state. The manifesto, signed by a large number of writers and other well-known figures was sent to the judiciary and the politically responsible ministers. These readings were held in support of the petition and writers including Louis Paul Boon, Hugo Claus, Patrick Conrad, Paul Snoek, Remco Campert, gave their opinion on the government’s actions against artistic expression claiming that the laws for expressions of opinion and art were outdated, and that law enforcement officers had to be educated in the new climate of art.  The posters screen-printed by Camera Obscura are in good condition with some creasing, some closed tears a couple of holes, stamped.  Still presentable examples of these rare and important responses to censorship.