Filipino art director resigns over offensive exhibit; Christian groups plan suit

August 10, 2011

The visual-arts director of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) has resigned, and some Christian groups are calling for the removal of the institution’s entire board, after a blasphemous art exhibit was closed down in response to a public outcry.

President Benigno Aquino, who had urged CCP board members to close the offensive exhibit by artist Mideo Cruz, said that he would not take further action. “There is no directive from the president to remove the board,” a spokesman said. The president’s intervention, the spokesman added, was not intended as censorship, but simply as a bid to ensure that public funds were not used for an exhibit that offended most of the country’s people.

Karen Flores, the visual arts director of the CCP, submitted her resignation after the Cruz exhibit was closed. Earlier, she had claimed that the show was closed because of threats of violence.

Meanwhile a coalition of Christian activists said that they would bring a lawsuit against the CCP officials who organized the exhibit, for deliberating insulting the Christian faith.

 

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Further information:

• Malacañang: No penalties over 'blasphemous' art exhibit (Manila Bulletin)
• Criticized Philippine Art Exhibit Is Closed (New York Times)
• Catholic lay groups to file charges vs CCP officials Thursday (Inquirer)