![]() |
WWJD? |
So what kind of news stories have been revolting the republican Midwest?
Recently, the city of Loveland, Colorado (population 2000) has been playing host to an exhibition portraying Jesus Christ well outside the usual.
Interestingly titled “The Misadventures of Romantic Cannibals” by Enrique Chaagoya, the series of 12 lithographs pictures a wide array of curious sexual acts, in one of them the Saviour receiving oral sex (viewer discretion and questionable artistic taste is advised!).
The resulting outrage manifested in many ways, from protesters outside the Loveland museum, to angry 9/11 blogs desperately trying to find a Muslim scapegoat. Most stories were short and subjective, save this one from 9news.com (equivalent of our ninemsn) that provided some background and much needed objectivity.
This is certainly a hot topic if you live in that part of the US or if you are a dedicated Christian, or both. It brings me back to the Bill Henson debate and the reasons behind controversial art. But when this kind of artwork gets people to question its purpose and artistic value vs. good taste, is it really actually achieving what it set out to do or has it gone too far to cause a stir?
I LOVE your title...very appropriate...this was from the last speech of his on Golgota right?
ReplyDeleteand a great topic to ponder over...i am pro art...but is this really pro art?
Well I'm not much of an art enthusiast but I've seen better.
ReplyDeleteLink to a much better story on this: http://www.9news.com/news/article.aspx?storyid=155832&catid=339
Great post as always MediaDawg!
ReplyDeleteArt is such an interesting topic yet it can be particularly controversial. I think what people need to think about when it comes to artworks like these is the artist's intention, i.e. the 'real' message he (or she) wanted to communicate and not just the one people see.
As a Catholic, I was initially very shocked by that image but knowing what his intention was somewhat justified his actions. You can read about his intention here: http://www.foxnews.com/us/2010/10/04/outrage-art-exhibit-depicting-jesus-sex-act-boosts-gallery-visits/
Not being a catholic myself I still find it unnecessary to constantly provoke people with art. It feel like there is not more art that can just stand by itself, it often needs a strong message behind it to have value. This is fair enough, but is it right to attack other peoples beliefs in doing so?
ReplyDeleteI agree with you on that one Polly
ReplyDeleteAs a Catholic I can honestly say im deeply offended by such distasteful behaviour which I don't think I can even refer to as art.
ReplyDelete