Kulo Art Exhibit - Blasphemous or Expression of Freedom?

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Mideo Cruz and his art piece that infuriated the anger of many Filipinos in the Philippines.

When I was young my Art teacher told me that I was supposed to join an art contest. Since it was nearing Christmas season, the theme of the art contest in school was Nativity. With limited crayons and just one piece of Oslo paper, I drew a simple shot of the Nativity, with little baby Jesus in the center, Mary and Joseph, the three kings, animals and angels staring at him. The baby Jesus was attractively smiling in the middle, sure to catch your attention. I won the contest and received a grand prize of Php300.

Years later, we heard about the controversial art exhibit last June 17. KULO is a compilation of 32 artists that is meant to be CCP's commemorative tribute to Jose Rizal's 150th death anniversary. According to the Manila Paper "CCP Closes 'Kulo' Art Exhibit Described as 'Blasphemous' " last August 9, 2011 (click here to read full article), the art pieces are based on the artists' proposals and background qualifications. The exhibit was curated by J. Pacena II while the CCP Visual Arts Division was headed by Karen Ocampo-Flores.

The rage of the people, circulating over social media sites and networking sites, focused on Politeismo, an art work by Mideo Cruz which was exhibited in 2002 in Ateneo de Manila University, UP Vargas Museum and Kulay Diwa Galleries.

CBCP ralllied to CCP to express their strong protest against the exhibit. Some congressmen have threatened to cut funding of the CCP if the installations will not be removed. Imelda Marcos, responsible for the Cultural Center of the Philippines, had called for the exhibit's closure.

What do we actually see in Politeismo?

You'd see image of Christ ridiculed as red-nosed, mouse-like creature. You'd see a male organ on His face, eyes of Jesus Christ with exaggerated overflow of tears reminiscent of how bystanders vandalize street posters.

Why did the Kulo exhibit raise protests?

Is't because religion still holds our minds? Were there protests from other religious groups?

Is't because we are not used to seeing phallic items? That condoms, sex are taboo words. Is this a cultural divide?

Is't because visually, it is not appealing?

Or is't because a religious image is ironically put to shame with figures associated with lust, desire, or sin?

Is't a form of expressioin, or desecration?

This is one of the Secrets and Scandals, in the 7107 Islands, Philippines.

Keep asking.