Defacement of black mural trail in Dundee described as 'utterly disgusting'

A black artist whose work was ripped apart in Dundee's Slessor Gardens says she's saddened but not surprised.

Sekai Machache's black lives matter mural trail was found defaced on Sunday evening.

She says her displays have been targeted before.

"There was a brick thrown through the window of one of those pieces and they had to replace that work," she said.

"This isn't the first time I've had work of mine vandalised. Before the work went up I expected this to happen.

"That doesn't mean that it's any less painful, it's just the reality of the situation. This is to be expected in a racist country.

"It's racially motivated, there's not really any question of that."

Kayode Oki modelled for one of the displays, he's struggling to process what's happened.

"Someone on or some people have gone and torn down every single photo of a black person in an exhibition," he said.

"In my opinion that is just disgusting. I don't think you quite expect to happen to your face.

"When I saw a picture of my face ripped off it was and is still quite distressing. I'm not entirely sure how to deal with it.

"I'm hearing the message loud and clear, you don't want us here and you don't like our face.

"We get it, but we're here and we're not going anywhere."

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: " "We are aware of a vandalism to posters in Slessor Gardens, Dundee and will be carrying out enquiries.

"Anyone who knows who is responsible should contact officers on 101, quoting 0817 of Monday 5 October."

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