Poleteismo by Mideo Cruz

The "KULO" exhibit opened on June 17 at the CCP Main Gallery, a compilation of work by 32 artists, meant to be part of the Center's celebration of the 150th anniversary of Jose Rizal. Because all the participating artists had a common educational background, all having studied at the UST, they felt it fitting that the theme of Jose Rizal also reflect the heritage and culture represented by the 400-year old university.

Each artist participated with one installation. In keeping with previous practice to evaluate merits of art works on the basis of established parameters, the CCP Visual Arts Division, headed by Karen Ocampo-Flores, approved the proposal to exhibit on the basis of an evaluation of their proposal as well as the background qualifications of the participating artists.

Publicity on the exhibit only happened after a major network covered it in the news. Particular focus had been put on one specific art work, "Politeismo." By Mideo Cruz. Politeismo has been exhibited since 2002 in such venues as the Ateneo de Manila, UP Vargas Musueum and Kulay Diwa Galleries. Threats to security became most alarming on Aug. 4 when Security reported that a couple had vandalized the art works and attempted to set fire to the exhibit but had been unsuccessful. Subsequent hate mails and threats to members of the Board intensified following this incident.

Following serious discussion, the Board members agreed on the common objective, to nurture freedom of artistic expression, while recognizing the responsibilities that go with it. Yet, I have my own stand about this issue but before that, I would like to quote some words from a press statement of Mr. Chris B. Millado, Vice President and Artistic Director of the CCP.

He said, "EVEN AMONG US IN THE ART WORLD, MANY WERE OFFENDED WHEN WE FIRST VIEWED POLITEISMO. BUT IT SERVED AS AN AWAKENING. IT ROUSED OUR SENSES, CHALLENGED US TO TAKE A DEEPER LOOK, WOKE US UP TO A LESS INNOCENT WORLD: WHAT IS THE ARTIST TRYING TO...