Update: Local Artist Brian Scott Criticized for Painting Commission Prominently Featuring Swastika

Updated with comments from community leaders, and a retraction from Scott. Local artist Brian Scott has been criticized by many local concerned community members after a photo of a baseball cap with a large swastika painted on it was posted to his social media.

His caption claimed he would paint anything for a commission, but that WW2 Vets likely wouldn’t appreciate the piece.

The hat, covered in bright paint in Scotts signature style, has a bright red swastika emblazoned right on the front.

Scott’s artwork is a Comox Valley staple, instantly recognizable for its bright colours, and abstract style that manages to simultaneously accurately capture local scenes. He is known for painting on unconventional objects such as covering entire vehicles in vibrant art pieces.

Community members have reached out to local news with concerns about someone of his status and influence in our community spreading symbols of hatred and fascism. 

In light of his post, the Little Red Church, who had been featuring Scotts art for a long time, has asked him to remove his art from their premises. According to an email Scott sent to a correspondent, his art is now fully removed from their space.

North Island College faculty member, Jen Wrye, reached out to Scott with concern about this art piece. His responses were brief and he didn’t seem to welcome the feedback.

“I wrote to him to ask that he address the harm that racist symbols cause. He said that I was the only person who thought this, and when I pressed again, he suggested that I should buy his art in exchange for the removal of the symbol.”

UPDATE: Scott has posted to his social media retracting the swastika painting with paint splattered over the original artwork. Stating backlash as the reasoning for covering up the work. 

Comox Mayor Russ Arnott made a strong statement in opposition to local artist Brian Scott’s production of a commission this week featuring a prominent nazi swastika.

The caption of Scott’s public social media post said "paint anything for money vets of ww2 would not approve."

Russ Arnott said, “the Town of Comox is proud to be home to 19 Wing Comox and all its serving members and the many retirees who have made Comox and the Valley their last posting. We stand and salute them on November 11 and in silence think about the sacrifices given so we don't have to see symbols of hate like this again.”

“The Town of Comox will not standby and be connected to someone who chooses to display symbols of hatred.” 

He continued, “Throughout our downtown there are a number of BC Hydro boxes painted by Brian Scott (one beside the Cenotaph) which was part of an enhancement program years ago.

Arnott finished by making it clear that the Town of Comox wouldn’t passively celebrate Scott’s work any longer,

“This morning I instructed staff to start the dialog with BC Hydro and update these boxes.”

“After discussing with Chief Nicole Remple of K’ómoks First Nation I am proud to say that we will be working with their Nation and showcasing their art on these boxes throughout our downtown.”

Bob Wells from Courtenay shared Arnotts post stating, “Fully agree with Mayor Russ Arnott, thanks for taking a disgusting act and looking for opportunities towards reconciliation with K’ómoks First Nation.

Rachel Blaney the MP for Vancouver Island North also shared the post stating “No place for hate.” and thanked Arnott and Cheif Rempel for their leadership.