Art, Freedom and Religion
I find it really frustrating that those we consider the ‘authorities’ of Art in the Philippines succumbed, again, to the pressure of religious sector and of those hypocrite, blind moral guardians of our society.
CCP pulling out this exhibit means a big disrespect to the art community and to all other artists who wish to express their thoughts, opinions and views through their artworks.
The problem with our society is that we isolate religion and look at it with highest regard that we close our minds to possible criticisms and to use of these religious symbol to imply a deeper sense to ideas and thoughts that matter.
For me, this is not blasphemous. To consider something blasphemous is rather relative. It would always depend on our innate ideas and from where we look things at. Imagine people looking at a building. One on top of another building, another from the ground, and another from the other street. They all see the building, but on different perspectives. The challenge is to respect each other’s views. The one from the ground must respect the view of the one from the other street. Why? Simply because they chose to stand on different places. Respect.
Everyone is not obliged to see the exhibit. This is not like a billboard posted along EDSA that everyone sees whether they like it or not. We always have the choice if we want to look at it or not. If you feel offended, then stop looking. If you wish to learn more, then explore the symbols behind the artwork. Everything is a matter of choice.
My God taught me to understand others, and to see more beyond what is superficial. My God taught me what faith is, faith to Him and to others who believe in Him. These Bishops and Priests and Religious people must have FAITH on others. Have faith that everyone else will view this on a more complex perspective and that it wouldn’t affect their religious beliefs.
Whether there’s a condom on my God’s crucifix, whether there’s a phallus on my God’s face, it wouldn’t change the fact that He’s the God I worship and adore.
Protect artists’ right to freedom of expression.
