Indecent, offensive art not for public display

From the beginning to the end of our Fine Arts studies, we students had lectures on the philosophy artists, in general, have to accept, uphold and respect—that “Art is the expression of the true, the good and the beautiful”; that “A thing of beauty is a joy forever”; and that art is used to uplift, rather than dampen, man’s mind and spirit… etc.

However, if an artist insists on exercising his so-called freedom of expression, he is free to do so, he can express unconventional, even forbidden and offensive ideas, but within the limits of the privacy of his own world. By so doing, no one can stop him, so to speak, though the heavens fall.

Using his brush, an artist can paint any object or abstract image his mind and soul may dictate. Like a mirror, his works reflect his inner self.

I therefore believe that whatever was wrong about Mideo Cruz’s “Poleteismo” lay in the fact that it was displayed in public. Works of art that are lewd, indecent, and offensive to human sensibilities and dignity, should be kept inaccessible to public viewing.

Simply put, Cruz’s work leaves a bad taste in the mouth.

—LOURDES OBEN SANTOS ,

owner-founder of the (defunct),

Torre de Marfil School of Fine Arts