Artists gather at CCP for symbolic closing of controversial ‘Kulo’ exhibition

MANILA, Philippines— “Yes to freedom of expression, no to censorship and no to persecution!”

This was the battle cry of artists that gathered on Sunday at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) for the “symbolical” closing of the art exhibit “Kulo” of which the controversial mixed-media collage of artist Mideo Cruz called “Poleteismo” was part, said Iggy Rodriguez, spokesman of artists’ group Palayain ang Sining.

“This will be a symbolical closing because today was supposed to be the closing of Kulo,” Rodriguez said.

The CCP closed down the exhibit 12 days before it was supposed to end apparently after President Benigno Aquino III intervened amid protests from the Roman Catholic Church and other religious groups and individuals that Cruz’s supposed artworks were blasphemous.

The artists’ event, according to Rodriguez, included songs and dances, and was to start at 1 p.m. at the CCP Little Theater entrance. A solidarity march was to follow at 2 p.m.

Kulo exhibit featured works of former students of the University of Sto. Tomas and was part of the CCP’s celebration of the 150th birth anniversary of national hero Jose Rizal.

Last Tuesday, the senate began its probe on the controversial exhibit, but Cruz failed to show up despite being summoned.