Dagupan artists defend controversial CCP exhibit
ARTISTS in Dagupan City comprising the Dagupan Artists Circle (DAC) have expressed support to embattled artist Mideo Cruz whose works that were on exhibit at the Cultural Center of the Philippines have been withdrawn.
Patrick Fernandez, president of DAC that lists 30 members, acknowledged that artists are responsible for their work and at the same time stressed that appreciating art rests on the viewer.
“Di ko puedeng sabihin na mali ang ginawa nya,” he said during the KBP Forum Thursday, adding, “Depende na ‘yan sa tumitingin.”
He added that his group is willing to present an artwork similar to Cruz’s controversial exhibit.
“Kung ‘yon lang ang tanging paraan upang maipahayag namin ang aming nararamdaman at opinyon sa bagay na ‘yon, gagawin namin,” said Fernandez said
“An artist has free rein over his work and is limited only by his imagination,” Fernandez told his audience.
Fernandez explained that the Cruz’s artwork, which was one of several displayed in the “Kulo” art exhibit at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), only received negative reactions because of its depiction.
“Kung minsan kasi kung ano ‘yong pangit ‘yon ang nakakapagbigay ng katotohanan sa mga tao. Mayroon talagang mga gawain na nakakasakit,” he said.
On the other hand, Pablo de Venecia, local chapter president of the Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals, who also guested at the weekly media forum described Cruz as mentally challenged.
De Venecia pointed out that artists should also consider the sensibilities of persons or institutions that may be affected by their works, particularly those that are put on public exhibition.
Cruz’s exhibit involved Catholic images and symbols, mixed with various other materials such as condoms and pop-art imagery, which the Catholic Church and groups supporting it have considered to be sacrilegious.
De Venecia stressed that freedom of expression has its limitations.
Fernandez, however, expressed puzzlement as to why there was a sudden public uproar on the art works when the same exhibit was already featured in other museums, including at the University of the Philippines.
“Andyan na yong exhibit noong 2002 pa, naipakita na yon sa UP museum, sa Ateneo at sa ibang gallery with all those decorations… Bakit ngayon lang?” he said.
The controversy over the exhibit has prompted the CCP board to withdraw it, and there have been calls for the CCP board members to resign for approving the show in the first place. (DOS/PIA Pangasinan)
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