Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Poleteismo - Piss Christ All Over Again?

ARTINFO reports that Filipino artist Mideo Cruz has met with some controversy over his installation, "Poleteismo," a large wooden crucifix adorned with an assortment of colorful fabrics and other items - including a red dildo.



I really like that Cruz called out the obvious hypocrisy in receiving death threats from "people who call themselves Christians." Apart from that, his installation (from what I gather in pictures) is very well constructed and aesthetically harmonious - despite the hodgepodge of colors and shapes. Like most art works, I'll bet you'd have to see it in person to really "get it."

Cruz explains his vision:

"My installation serves as a mirror for a life full of opposing realities. It is meant to reflect on how we construct our imagined realities. These kinds of displays of images are commonly posted on the worn-out walls of every house, and can be found in impoverished areas. Things are posted like certificates, medals, photographs, calendars, posters, pictures of celebrities, politicians, and others, as a way to decorate the space or to affect how others perceive us. The details of the images in my installation are full of metaphorical ironies based on my personal doubts about my society."

Will this become another Piss Christ episode? It seems like it already has, though because it is an overseas controversy I'm not sure Bill Donohue will be pouncing all over this one just yet. But I could be wrong. Also, a big shout out to ARTINFO for bringing this artist to my attention. He's got some great stuff and I'm excited to learn more about him.

More to come, I'm sure.

Monday, August 1, 2011

Burnaway Cross Promotin'

Here is a link to my two Burnaway articles. My first article for these fine folks was on Cy Twombly's passing. My second was on the ethics of selling and displaying John Wayne Gacy's art.

I do hope you enjoy both. Please feel free to comment on here, or on the articles.

Happy readin'!

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I love to read about linguistics, behavioral economics, theory and philosophy. I listen to music some might call outdated, write satirical and high testosterone plays, consume too much caffeine and ruthlessly defend modern and contemporary art.