Philippines: blasphemous exhibit closed; artists protest
CWN - August 09, 2011
The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) has closed down a blasphemous art exhibit, amid angry protests from Catholic leaders and from the country’s political leaders.
President Benigno Aquino chastised the CCP leaders for allowing an exhibit that offended the beliefs of the country’s Christian majority. He disclosed that he had contacted CCP board members to encourage them to close the show. Other leading lawmakers called for an investigation of the CCP officials who sponsored the exhibit.
The exhibit by Mideo Cruz, which had opened in June, included a number of images of Jesus and the Virgin Mary that were clearly intended to shock believers. Among the less offensive items was a depiction of Jesus Christ as Mickey Mouse. Other items were much more vulgar.
Artists’ groups predictably denounced the closing of the exhibit, claiming that it was an example of government censorship and saying that artists should be free to make their statements, even if they offend others.
Additional sources for this story
Some links will take you to other sites, in a new window.
- Blasphemous art exhibit closed down (Manila Bulletin)
- CCP closes down art exhibit amidst hue and cry from gov’t, Catholics (Inquirer)
- Controversial Art Exhibit Is Shut Down in the Philippines (New York Times)
- Philippines shuts art show deemed offensive (AP)
- National Artist rues closure of 'blasphemous' art show (ABS-CBN)
|
An appeal from our founder, Dr. Jeffrey Mirus: Dear reader: If you found the information on this page helpful in your pursuit of a better Catholic life, please support our work with a donation. Your donation will help us reach five million Truth-seeking readers worldwide this year. Thank you! |
Easter Campaign: Progress toward our Spring 2013 goal ($20,923 to go):
$80,000.00
$59,077.50
26%
74%
|
All comments are moderated. To lighten our editing burden, only current donors are allowed to Sound Off. If you are a donor, log in to see the comment form; otherwise please support our work, and Sound Off!
-
Posted by: extremeCatholic -
Aug. 09, 2011 8:26 PM ET USA
We await Mideo Cruz's artistic rendering of Mohammed, and the defense of artists groups of it.
-
Posted by: rpp -
Aug. 09, 2011 6:20 PM ET USA
The "artists" got everything they wanted, the opportunity to vent their spleen, public chastisement (it is cool to be an "outsider"), and the claim of persecution and suppression of their freedoms. Yep, these pseudo-artists won this battle.
