CCP closes down gallery with controversial 'Kulo' exhibit
08/09/2011 11:58 AM
The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) has closed down on Tuesday the main gallery where the controversial "Kulo" exhibit is on display.
In a statement, the CCP said threats to persons and property have influenced the management's decision to close down the gallery.
One of the artworks displayed in the gallery — artist Mideo Cruz's piece, a mixed-media collage called "Poleteismo" — has triggered a heated debate between freedom of expression and respecting religious sensibilities.
"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," the CCP said.
"This decision was made amidst controversy and deliberation by the Board as to what steps are necessary to avoid future similar incidents," the CCP added.
"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," it said.
Reached by GMA News Online, Cruz refused to issue any comment on the development.
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