Statement sent to the  Ambassadors of Germany and France  14 January 1998

It has come to my attention that the German Ambassador to South Africa has been offended by the invitation to my exhibition "Guilty" due to open this Saturday (17 January 1997) at 10h00. I apologise if this is the case for it was never my intention to offend him.

The image is a photograph that I personally took at the Haus Der Kulturen Der Welt in Berlin during Nelson Mandela's sate visit there, which also coincided with the opening of the exhibition "Colours" by him. It features his personal body guards in the foreground and my work of art for the exhibition "T.W.(A.K.)" in the background. The work consists of 18 flags.

I cannot see how this image can in any way be perceived as offensive, but I do respect any offence that may have been taken and apologise accordingly.

The title of the exhibition "Guilty" is taken from a book written by the French author Georges Bataille. ("Coupable") I selected it precisely because of its ambiguity in South Africa today. The word stands alone, open to interpretation as should any work of art be. If anyone is offended by the word than it says more about their own conscience than about my intention. In my opinion guilt, be it "white guilt," the guilt of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission or historical guilt remains the single most pervasive cultural force operating in South Africa today.

Kendell Geers