this post is long over due and its been collecting dust on my brain’s drafts folder. nonetheless, im still voicing my shit.

’nuff blah.

over a week ago, Mideo Cruz unintentionally (or so i thought) sent mainstream media and various social network into a frenzy when Cultural Center of the Philippines featured his ‘infamous’ art collection titled “Poleteismo”. The conservatives readily denouced Cruz’s ‘blasphemous artwork’ and he retaliated with his lecture on freedom of expression and art appreciation.
devout catholics, public figures, ordinary people and netizens alike, argued their views and defended their values. some took offense. some just shrugged it off. this even led Cruz’ alma mater to disown him.

alot has been said and done but i can only speak for myself.

1. ART is one form of self expression. However, THE ART doesn’t necessarily mean that THE ARTIST think the same way. many commented (and some even quoted verses from the bible) that his artwork is a reflection of his thoughts and his personality. i say NOT. his artwork is classified under the art term ‘provocations’. it could be expressed using different media forms and yes, it provoke thoughts and actions necessary for what the art is callling for. exactly how poleteismo provoked the sensitive filipino. needless to say, many of you turned hypocritical and blasphemous in attacking Cruz.

i take no offense on his artwork.

2. if the right to FREEDOM of EXPRESSION is our license to describe, characterize and represent the things we see, think, hear and feel and be able praise, honor, vandalize, humiliate, defile someone or something then what is OUR BOUNDARY? will we label something ‘blasphemous’ if ONLY there is someone hurt, offended, agrieved, persecuted and maligned? how about the things that are utterly disgusting but missed media coverage? wont we burn them alive on the cross just like what others want to do to Mideo Cruz?

look, in one way or another there will be someone who will feel berated in our way of expressing ourselves. freedom of expression borders the line of respect and individualism. as the cliche goes..’we cannot please everybody’

most of you readily pointed finger, accused and condemned Cruz but if I may ask, what about Hubert Webb and Hayden Kho? most of you are sensitive hypocrites, i say!

3. i do not commend Cruz for his art (I dont like it, just not my type) but i commend him for his guts.

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