Mideo Cruz of CCP Art Exhibit 'Kulo' - Who is this Artist? (Picture)

Mideo Cruz, the man behind the controversial art "Poleteismo" in the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) earned negative reactions from Catholic groups this week.

This is after his controversial arts were posted in CCP "Kulo" exhibit which includes a wooden replica of male private parts in front of his face, a crucifix with a hanging and stretched condom, an image of christ with ink tear drops, among others.

University of Sto. Tomas (UST) through Vice Rector Pablo Tiong also criticized the works of Mideo Cruz. Quoted from the statements of Tiong,

"The University as an academic community and as a Catholic institution would also like to express that it is denouncing the sacrilegious or religious offensive art works included in the exhibit and all other artwork of similar nature. Moreover the said sacrilegious or religiously offensive artworks are nothing but a kind of artworks expected and or produced by unprofessional artist"

Mideo Cruz picture courtesy of Google

Karen Flores - CCP Official Resigned during UP Arts Department Forum

Karen Flores, the head of the visual arts department of CCP resigned during the University of the Philippines Arts Department forum dated August 10 2011 (Wednesday), reports said. Her resignation was in connection with the controversial exhibit in the Cultural Center of the Philippines which triggered the temper of Christians and several Catholic groups. (Read related article)

Since last week, CCP officials are in hot waters after posting artworks of Mideo Cruz (an artist from UST).

In an interview with DZMM, CCP President Raul Sonico said that they did not put pressure on Ms. Flores' decision. He said that she resigned for her own reasons.

Meanwhile, here is the picture of Ms. Karen Flores:

Photo courtesy of Philvisualarts

CCP Art Exhibit 'Kulo' Closed Due to Threats

Due to threats being received by the artists and CCP officers, the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) closed the art exhibit "Kulo", Tuesday (August 9, 2011).

The controversial artwork photos and sculpture particularly the "Polytheism" of Medeo Cruz (UST) received negative criticisms from Filipino citizens.

Quoted from the statement of CCP,

"Due to numerous emails, text messages and other letters sent to various offficers of the CCP, and to the artists themselves, with an increasing number of threats to persons and property, the members of the Board of the Cultural Center of the Philippines have decided to close down the Main Gallery where the Kulo Exhibit is on display. This decision was made amidst controversy and deliberation by the Board as to what steps are necessary to avoid future similar incidents. The CCP shall continue to act as catalyst for free expression of Filipino artists. It thanks all those who have, in one way or another, contributed to the dialogue about art, and the different ways it affects society today."

Meanwhile, Medeo Cruz is not yet giving his official statements regarding the issue.

Mideo Cruz Art in CCP Art Exhibit Earned Negative Reactions on the Photo Exhibit

Mr. Mideo Cruz, an artist from University of Sto. Tomas who posted a "Polytheism" art in the CCP Art Exhibit Kulo earned negative reactions and criticisms from Catholic groups and ordinary citizens. (Know more about Mideo Cruz)

Mideo Cruz is the man behind the controversial artwork of Jesus Christ with a male genital on his face. (Read: CCP Art Exhibit Kulo)

Medeo Cruz (the guy wearing white) and Steve Dailisan

Here are some of the collected reactions of Filipino citizens regarding Cruz' artworks. (Comments from wallyibong)

The "artist" is obviously KSP! As christians let us not cast the first stone. Do not condemn him. Leave that to God.To Moises, we catholics (and most other christian groups) do not worship images. They are instruments to remind us of holy men and women, but they are not gods. They represent holy people, therefore, when you disrespect their representation, you disrespect what they stand for: holiness, serving, compassion, etc. I don't think it is art if it violates the sensibilIities of others. I am not buddhist, but i wouldn't want buddha desecrated as what they did in afghanistan either. - anonymous

kung sa middle east nya ito ginawa at naoffend ang islamic religion, PUTOL ANG ULO NITONG BABOY NA ITO..Hayyy...CCP mga inutil! - anonymous

it all winds up to this: the CCP should have considered the sensibilities of the filipino culture. obviously, they disregarded the sentiments of the christians. what connection has it to RIZAL? aside from being anti-catholic, masonic, anti-clergy? catholics do not worship images (as what protestants believe). Art is one way of glorifying God, man's way of teaching the Good News in pictorial form , because most people were illiterate in the early years of christianity. but when you desecrate holy representations, THIS IS NOT ART! it is GARBAGE! sincerely, a UST graduate - anonymous

the art represent the artist it only show what kind of personality he has, ginawa tayo ng dyos n kawangis nya kung gnun art ginawa nya s imahe o s khit anung litrato prang inimage n rin nya sa sarili dun s artwork nya. - anonymous

>>ginawa tayo ng dyos n kawangis nya - anonymous

even if it's not about religion at all... how can it be good to look at a person's picture with a male organ covering it's face?! - anonymous

You can also freely express your reactions and comments in the comment box below.

Picture courtesy of Steve Dailisan