Brett Bailey responds to critics of provocative 'human zoo'

UPDATE (Sept. 25, 2014): Protesters have forced the cancellation of Brett Bailey's polarizing Exhibit B, which was slated to open next week at London's Barbican Centre. Activists rallied against the show -- which features silent black performers intentionally put on display -- as "complicit racism," while the London curators disagreed with their stance and lamented what they see as a "profoundly troubling" blow to artistic expression.  

ORIGINAL: Brett Bailey has caused considerable controversy with his project Exhibit B, which puts black actors "on display" in an exhibit reminiscent of the human zoos of the 19th century. The artist responds to critics of the piece, including those who find it inherently problematic that a white South African is at the helm. 

Exhibit B performers respond in open letter 

The Guardian has published the testimonies of several Exhibit B performers, who share what the experience is like from their vantage point and why they decided to participate. 

As a group, they've also issued a joint statement, which includes this paragraph:  

Each audience member walks in alone into the exhibit, and each performer is exhibited in their own tableau vivant. Each performer is instructed by Brett to look into the eyes of each audience member. On arrival, at the first tableau, most people don't even recognise that human beings are standing there. For a moment, particularly for the first few, we are objects. Then, our eyes meet.

Read the joint statement in full, as well as individual statements, on The Guardian website.

See a selection of images from the exhibit, taken by Sofie Knijff, below and tell us: what is your reaction to this project? Would you side with those seeking to prevent its upcoming London show? Why or why not?