Article on ‘Kulo’

WE WOULD like to thank the Inquirer for publishing the review on “Kulo” written by Lito Zulueta. (“Shock for shocks’ sake,” 8/8/11)  A substantial critique of the controversial “Kulo” exhibit is truly called for, especially since its most incendiary work, “Poleteismo” by Mideo Cruz, still deserves a reading as an artwork despite accusations that it is meant to offend Catholics.

It is also understandable that Zulueta tackled various references to the University of Santo Tomas and presented clarifications and rebuttals that appropriately met the exhibit’s call for dialogue and discourse.

However, Zulueta’s intent to frame the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) in exact opposition to this call, is most surprising. Evidently, he has not done his research and instead lifted words, without proper attribution, from another writer and publication, to the effect:

“Sadly their (the writer’s and the curator’s) tact has not been adopted by CCP officials, who have arrogantly called the reaction to Cruz’s work as ‘moralist hysteria’ and ‘religious myopia’.” What Zulueta did with this quote parallels what he already said about shock value detracting from the larger picture.

The larger picture was published, broadcast and known to various media outlets, including the Internet. The CCP had early on called for a forum to exactly hear out grievances, responses and demands by religious organizations and individuals; it also sought the views of those who agree that the artwork should stay put. And this was the forum held on Aug. 5.

This process is part of CCP’s review of the matter and from it, decisions and points of action will be announced. Thus, Zulueta’s conclusions on CCP’s lack of self-reflexivity and disregard for dialogue on this issue is incorrect and unfounded.

KAREN OCAMPO FLORES,

Visual Arts and Museo Division,

Cultural Center of the Philippines