Artists group decries closure of ‘Kulo’ exhibit
The same day the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) closed down the main gallery where the controversial âKulo" art exhibit was on display, an artists group on Tuesday condemned the decision, urging artists and members of the press to fight against censorship and attacks on freedom of expression. âTo allow the exhibitâs closure based on [the opinion of bishops and religious lay leaders] would set the precedent for all other exhibitions that would follow," said the Palayain ang Sining through a Facebook note posted 4:22 p.m. Tuesday by artist Mideo Cruz, adding that the issue surrounding the exhibit and Cruzâ piece âhas gotten out of hand." Cruzâ piece âPoleteismo," which is part of the âKulo" art exhibit, has been called âblasphemous" by critics and was vandalized last week. The CCP said that they decided to shut down the gallery because of threats to persons and property. âThis decision was made amidst controversy and deliberation by the Board as to what steps are necessary to avoid future similar incidents," the CCP added. In the manifesto, the artistsâ group urged the public not to be âsidetracked" by the uproar over Cruzâs art work. Instead, they said, the bigger issue of censorship and repression should be addressed. âPalayain ang Sining does not merely support Mideo Cruz. We support the fight against censorship, and against attacks on our basic right to freedom of expression. âThe bishops and religious lay leaders pushing for the closure of the exhibit are demanding not only that we persecute one personâs creative expression, but that we hinder any other creative expressions whose concept and presented ideologies they do not agree with," the group said. Criminal charges Despite the shut-down, a conservative Catholic group said that they still intend to file criminal charges against the CCP and Cruz because âthe Christian nation has been offended." To this, the artists group argued that âthreats of filing legal charges have been made against the Cultural Center of the Philippines, and has cited Art. 201 of the Revised Penal Code. Yet this law in itself is contrary to Article 3 Section 4 of the Philippine Constitution." The said provision in the Constitution states that âno law shall be passed abridging the freedom of speech, of expression, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble and petition the government for redress of grievances." Article 201 of the Revised Penal Code meanwhile penalizes âthose who shall publicly expound or proclaim doctrines openly contrary to public morals... those who, in theaters, fairs, cinematographs or any other place, exhibit, indecent or immoral plays, scenes, acts or shows, whether live or in film, which are prescribed by virtue hereof, shall include those which⦠offend any race or religion; â¦are contrary to law, public order, morals, and good customs, established policies, lawful orders, decrees and edicts." Meanwhile, three senators have called on officials of the CCP to resign for allowing âTuko" to be put on display, alleging that the exhibit offended Roman Catholics. âPalayain ang Sining is direct in what it stands for: the fight for freedom in our creative expression; the fight against censorship and repression," according to the groupâs statement. â With Bea Cupin/VS/HS, GMA News