Quiapo Church, in the Philippine capital of Manila, houses a burned image of Jesus Christ called the Black Nazarene. On the first Sunday of January each year, more than a million Filipino devotees walk barefoot while parading the image around the church's vicinity. The procession, which often lasts the whole day, is just one of the hundreds of Catholic processions and feasts held in the country throughout the year. The Philippines is the only predominantly Catholic nation in Asia, where an overwhelming 80 percent of the population is Catholic.
Articles of faith
Outside Quiapo Church, vendors sell miniatures of the Black Nazarene and other religious images and symbols. It is common to see images of Jesus Christ, the Virgin Mary, and various saints displayed in Filipino homes.
Mideo Cruz "Polytheism"
Artist Mideo Cruz had, until recently, an installation at Manila's Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) entitled "Polytheism," which mixes images of Christ with pop icons, political figures, and some sexually explicit objects. The artist, his work, as well as officials of the CCP have come under attack by Catholic leaders, who have described the work as "offensive, vulgar, pornographic, sacrilegious, and blasphemous."
Cross with a phallus
One of the most controversial pieces in the exhibit is a wooden cross with a phallic symbol hanging on its base. Cruz says he meant to show through his artwork the evolution of Christian worship and the culture of idolatry, particularly in the Philippines. He insists the cross does not necessarily represent Christ. The mirror at the center of the cross is meant to reflect how "we have created our idols and how our idols have created us," says Cruz.
"Not Christ anymore"
Cruz says he was not mocking Jesus or the Christian faith when he attached a red ball and Mickey Mouse ears to an image of Jesus Christ. "The one we are worshiping is not Christ anymore, it changed, it's become capitalism. I'm trying to understand how sacredness was attributed to the figure and trying to reconstruct it with parallel meanings, like Coca-Cola and Mickey Mouse."
Defaced Christ
Angry Catholics removed and destroyed a phallic symbol that was attached to the forehead of this image of Jesus. They also vandalized other pieces in Cruz's collage, as well as artworks by other artists in the gallery. "A disordered act like (that) exhibit would certainly fuel more disordered acts," Jo Imbong, a devout Catholic lawyer who plans to file a criminal lawsuit against Cruz and the CCP on behalf of Catholic groups.
Politicians targeted, too
A condom is draped over a portrait of former Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Posters and banners bearing Philippine politicians' faces are also a common sight in the streets and even in Filipinos' homes. Cruz also wanted to show, through his work, what he perceives as political and social ills of the country. There were also a few crucifixes draped in condoms interspersed all over the exhibit.
Artist under fire
Cruz is surrounded by reporters after a highly emotional forum was held in the gallery. Lay Catholic leaders expressed their disgust at the artwork, demanded the immediate closure of the exhibit and threatened to sue Cruz and officials of the CCP. But members of the Concerned Artists of the Philippines, as well as a significant number of youth, came to Cruz's defense, mostly invoking the freedom of expression.
Closed to the public
The controversial artwork has drawn crowds the likes of which, according to Cruz, art galleries in the Philippines have never seen. Even former First Lady Imelda Marcos, who built the CCP, visited the exhibit (and said what she saw was "not beautiful"). While the widespread attention is unexpected, Cruz says he welcomes criticisms and will continue to make thought-provoking pieces. The CCP, on the other hand, has decided to temporarily close the exhibit to public viewing.