Imelda denounces Philippine ‘phallic’ art exhibit
Former Philippine first lady Imelda Marcos has joined a growing protest over an art exhibition pairing religious icons with phallic symbols.
She said Mideo Cruz’s exhibition at Manila’s cultural centre had “desecrated” something sacred.
The exhibition - which features a crucifix with a model penis attached - has provoked outrage in the mainly Catholic country.
Mr Cruz says it is intended to be about the worship of icons.
The exhibition, entitled Poleteismo or Polytheism, includes a statue of Jesus with the ears of Mickey Mouse, and a wall collage featuring images from Christ and the Virgin Mary to the Statue of Liberty and US President Barack Obama.
“This speaks about objects that we worship, how we create these gods and idols, and how we in turn are created by our gods and idols,” said the Filipino artist, referring to the 300 years of Spanish rule that brought Catholicism to the Philippines and the current influences from the US.
A brief history lesson: The Cultural Center of the Philippines where the art exhibition is being held was originally envisioned by Imelda Marcos herself out of the atypical dictatorial grandeur.
The Manila Film Center in one corner of the complex is rumored to have literally been built upon the corpses of several workers that died during a horrific accident during its construction.
As for the penii, well, these critics have never bought one of our famous “barrel men.” ;D