http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=1580529&BRD=2144&PAG=461&dept_id=415763&rfi=6
Catholics protest Our Lady's depiction
By Anne Constable/The New Mexican
March 24, 2001
The Virgin Mary has been depicted in contemporary
art smeared with elephant dung, and she's been portrayed as a golden-haired
Barbie doll. In the latest controversial image, this one in a Santa Fe museum,
she appears in a floral bikini held aloft by a bare-breasted angel.
Our Lady, a digital photograph of the Virgin
of Guadalupe by Los Angeles artist Alma López, is part of an ongoing
exhibit at the Museum of International Folk Art called "Cyber Arte: Tradition
Meets Technology," which opened Feb. 25.
The Virgin of Guadalupe, the Hispanic version of the Virgin Mary, is revered
by Catholics in New Mexico and in most of Latin America who name churches
in her honor and celebrate her feast dayon Dec. 12.
A group of parishioners from our Lady of Guadalupe
Church and other Roman Catholic parishes inSanta Fe and Albuquerque formally
protested Friday the decision to include the piece in theexhibit. The group
demanded removal of the photograph, the resignations of folk-art museumDirector
Joyce Ice and Museum of New Mexico Director Tom Wilson as well as a public
apology. The protesters called the picture "an abomination" and
"a sacrilege."
Deacon Anthony Trujillo of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Church and parishioner Jose Villegas met Friday with State Cultural Affairs
Officer J. Edson Way. But no action was taken on the group's demands. Instead,
Way announced later in the day that a special meeting of the museum's seven-member
Board of Regents will be held next Thursday or Friday to continue the dialogue.
Meanwhile, López's Virgin of Guadalupe
remains on display at the museum - a gallery away from dozens of traditional
images of Our Lady of Guadalupe in the folk-art museum's Hispanic Heritage
Wing.And once again, the community is caught in a clash involving free speech,
religion and art.
Carlos Martinez, a 72-year-old parishioner at
Cristo Rey Catholic Church, said Friday's protest was his first public demonstration.
Martinez said he had not seen the painting.
"I don't even want to look at it," he said. "They're making
a spectacle of something I believe in deeply." Martinez said Santa Fe
is a tolerant city, but continued, "Our people, when their ire is aroused
like it is this time, we're going to come out and fight for our rights."
Canossian Sister Connie Martinez, who was also
in the crowd outside the Office of Cultural Affairs, said, "Our Lady
represents the mother of God. To me, no one should meddle with that piece
of art. To present Our Lady in any other way is an insult to our faith."
Henry J. Casso, chairman of the Our Lady of
Guadalupe Ministry from the Queen of Heaven Parish in Albuquerque, led Friday's
protest. "We have to stand up for what we love and believe," he
said. "Artists may have the right to express their opinions," Casso
said in a news release, "but they do not have the right to publicly offend
those who have brought this devotion to us since 1531."
The year 1531 was when the Virgin Mary is believed
to have appeared before an Indian farmer named Juan Diego on a hillside outside
what is now Mexico City.
Villegas, a community activist and former Santa
Fe City Council candidate, also demanded that all Catholic sacred images and
icons from the Museum of International Folk Art be returned to the "sacred
grounds of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe" and that the museum return admission
fees generated by the exhibit to the public treasury. Way, the cultural-affairs
officer, later characterized the meeting with the Catholic protesters as "very
respectful" and said they "spoke very eloquently about their concerns."
But while he admitted "I wouldn't hang
it (López's artwork) over my couch," he said he was not prepared
to remove the director of the museum. "The mission of the museum is to
document changes in traditional cultural expression, and this image is consistent
with that mission." According to Way, the piece was created with a public
grant from the city of Los Angeles and was exhibited widely there "with
no particular controversy." It was also depicted in a brochure mailed
to 11,000 supporters of the folk-art museum. Even then, only six people complained,
he said. Way said he had been in touch with the artist: "She is somewhat
disappointed, but she understands the museum is in a difficult position, and
she will accept whatever decision the museum makes."
State Sen. Roman Maes, D-Santa Fe, said he called
Joyce Ice, the folk-art museum director, after receiving about 250 phone calls
this week from people who found the depiction offensive. He said Ice was "indifferent"
to his message. "She is a state employee. She should listen to what people
have to say," he warned. "Our Lady of Guadalupe is a very special
lady in our community - and in the free world," he said. "To characterize
her in any other way is to degrade her. Maybe better judgment would have stopped
this."
While Maes denied he threatened to cut off state
funding for the museum if it did not remove the offending work, he said that
the museum's intransigence could affect future patronage and that "to
jeopardize support among the legislators would be a very dangerous activity."
The National Endowment for the Arts was "destroyed
by a few artists and a few unbending bureaucrats," Maes said. "I
don't want this to happen to museums in our state."
Others, however, have come to the defense of
the museum. Jim Fitzpatrick, a lawyer who represented the Brooklyn Museum
in a similar controversy, said, "It's very dangerous business to second-guess
the decisions of competent curatorial staff, who are sometimes trying to find
images that cut against conventional wisdom."
Fitzpatrick said he believed the public was
better served by being able to look at a controversial work and react on its
own. "The one thing that is unacceptable," Fitzpatrick said, "is
to take a work down from a wall of a museum simply because it might provoke
controversy."
Fitzpatrick, who lives in Santa Fe and Washington,
D.C., gave a lecture last year at the Museum of Fine Arts here titled Sex,
Lies and the Arts: Culture Wars from Mapplethorpe to the Brooklyn Museum.
"There's nothing wrong with letters to the editor or letters to the museum
expressing outrage. And the Catholic Church has First Amendment rights, too.
But if it gets to the point of forcing a public institution to take something
down, then the public loses," he said.
Fitzpatrick is president of the Washington Project
for the Arts, which presented the controversial Robert Mapplethorpe exhibit
in 1989 depicting homosexual eroticism after the Corcoran Gallery of Art in
Washington canceled it. Fitzpatrick also provided legal counsel to the Brooklyn
Museum after the mayor of New York threatened to cut funding when museum officials
refused to remove a painting of a Madonna with elephant dung. A federal court
in that case said the mayor was violating the First Amendment by denying a
museum funding simply because he didn't like a work of art hanging at the
museum.
Last year, in another censorship issue, the
Guadalupe Historic Foundation in Santa Fe removed Kathleen Wells' depiction
of Our Lady of Guadalupe as a golden-haired Barbie doll from an exhibit at
Sanctuario de Guadalupe. Wells, a Velarde artist, had titled that work Barbielupe.
It's unclear on whose side the Board of Regents will be next week. But Frank
Ortiz, a Santa Fe member, said he warned the folk museum after he first saw
the show's brochure that the Virgin of Guadalupe photograph would cause "enormous
problems and create great offense." "I would not find it offensive
in a private gallery. But I do find it offensive in a public museum,"
Ortiz said.
"There is a school of thought that Catholic icons are fair game for far-out
interpretation." The decision to include this work is insensitive "for
a public museum in a community of deeply held beliefs," he added.
But Ortiz was insistent that it would be "destructive
and stupid" to cut the museum's funds. Tom Chavez, director of the museum
system's Palace of the Governors in Santa Fe, said he didn't believe the museum
would back down. "We've got to be able to do things unfettered by church
censorship," he said. "We left that back in the 15th and 16th centuries.
"If I had been in Joyce's place, I'd put it up without second thoughts.
I don't find nudity in religious paintings offensive."
The protesters plan another rally at 10 a.m.
March 31 at the Museum of International Folk Art.
Copyright 2001 Santa Fe New Mexican
Reader Opinions
Name: Evelyn
I do not understand why everyone is so upset over what is simply a picture.
The picture does not represent God! If you believe it does, you had better
start reading your bible again. The worshippers of idols (that includes pictures)
are in serious trouble. You should not pray to a statue, picture or any other
physical symbol of religion. Faith and believe are within your heart.
Name: Rhonda Van Laeke
Individual interpretation of life, and all that has been brought to our wonderful
minds through scholars, educators, philosophers, and teachers in general allows
us to think as we wish, and believe what we will. It is our human right to
interpret what we believe, and act harmonious to that thought structure. If
you are insulted by this art, don't look at it! I respect your viewpoint,
but don't have to agree with it. This is art and beauty in its finest form.
Bravo!Name: Ed Campbell
Sorry, folks -- we have to worry more about
doctrine, religious or otherwise, being accepted without question as a code
by which all Americans must live. Established by the blood and courage of
the Revolution which founded this land, our constitutional freedoms separate
America from the Old World marriage of church and state -- and support our
freedom of speech and expression. It's not surprising that many in New Mexico
feel their religion should rule everyone else. It's not surprising to bump
into "true believers" anywhere -- who feel that way. The people
of Spain and Portugal suffered under decades of dictatorship from such a practice.
Historically, I think the best definition was "clerical fascism".
Name: Jose Francisco Garcia & Linda Garcia Rivera from Omaha, Aztlan
I support the inclusion of Alma's cyber arte image that has received international
attention. As a student of Mexican history I find Our Lady's image used by
all levels of Mexican and Chicano society. From Hidalgo Costilla, waving OLG
banners as he went on a murderous rampage in Oaxaca City, to the legions of
Emiliano Zapata, utilizing Our Lady of Guadalupe as a cry for justice and
revolution. From the grape fields of Califas where Cesar Chavez launched a
labour movement under her banner, to the Santos that are sacred elements of
American society, images of Our Lady are part of the public domain. My wife
does not take offense. She sees this image as an honour for Our Lady to be
pictured in this manner. Joining the ranks of Chicanas nationwide in the struggle
for honor and dignity. A struggle of liberation, not one of war and pillage
as before. This is the way a woman sees our Lady. It is a very intimate manifestation
of what our Lady means to us Chicanas and Chicanos. It is sad that the traditional
elements of the society find offense to Alma's art. But as a society, as a
culture, we must continue to find expression. This is Alma's expression. I
may add that we are a Catholic family. We have Our Lady's image everywhere
in our house. Our Virgin is more than what she wears. Her strength is in her
spirit, not a superficial reaction to her outergarment. We feel that Alma
had the intention of allowing us to see our Lady as a kindred spirit, with
a spirit for justice and social meaning for the ages. So I trust that the
regents of your world class organization see the necessity not to resurrect
elements that continue to resound from our national experience of the 1940's
or a world-wide recognition of censorship that took place in Nazi Germany
before a war that killed millions. Sincerely, Jose Francisco Garcia Rios Linda
Mary Garcia de Rivera, Las Artes Casa de Cultura en Aztlan Omaha, Nebraska
Name: Dennis Cooper
As the artist said, this painting is hanging in a museum, not a church. If
the museum only exhibited those items of art approved by the catholic church
and all other religious organizations there would be nothing in any museum.
The Museum Board of Regents should not be intimidated and should allow the
painting to remain.
Name: D. DiSabatino
As someone from outside New Mexico, I find this controversy very amusing.
Some of the commentsposted to the New Mexican's site show that people do not
appreciate what it means to live in a freesociety. Basically, what they are
saying is, "You have the right to free speech, so long as you don'toffend
ME." This is the United States of America. The right of expression is
contained in the FirstAmendment to the Constitution for a reason. On a theological
level, it's even funnier. None of theprotesters know what Mary actually looked
like. Traditional depictions show her as European -fair-skinned and -haired.
(Similarly, Jesus is usually depicted as a bearded, doe-eyed hippie.) Ofcourse,
Mary was a middle-eastern Jew. She couldn't have looked the way she is shown
intraditional paintings - an irony lost on the protesters. And I find the
artist's statement in creating thispiece very affirming of the REAL message
of Christianity. Mary could have looked like anyone, because Mary is the archetypical
woman. Her near-nudity emphasizes her humanity, and herfemininity. (I would
point out that Jesus is often depicted as nearly-naked in traditional versions
ofthe Pieta. Why isn't THAT offensive? Isn't there a double standard here?)
Either all women, as theywere created (again, as represented by the nudity),
are holy, or no women are holy. Which is it to be? I look forward to reading
about the next regents' meeting.
Name: Ronald Roybal
Understand that most folks in the art/curator world are secular humanists.
They do not see the imageof The Virgin of Guadalupe as traditional Hispanic
Catholics do. The traditional history of the tilmais that her image was miraculously
placed on Juan Diego's garment by The Creator as a sign of HisLove to the
people of the Americas. This has been an object of veneration for untold millions
offaithful people for hundreds of years. The power of love found in this image
has changed theinterior lives of millions. This power of love and secular
humanist dogma (basically another form of religion with man at the center)
are diametrically opposed. These types of controversies will onlyincrease
in number as the culture war continues. I am afraid that it will finally result
in thepersecution of all Creator believing people just as other secular humanistic
regimes have. (NaziGermany, China and the former Soviet Union for instance).
The traditional faithful people of SantaFe are like the canaries carried into
deep mines to warn the workers of danger. Are we reallylistening to them?
Name: Michelle Parker
Dear Editor, I am deeply disappointed in our State's Museum system for the
displaying of Our Ladyof Guadalupe in what amounts to her underwear. Catholics
believe in the doctrine of Theotokos, Mary as the Mother of God--Jesus our
Lord. She was herself conceived without sin, was perpetuallyVirgin and is
the Mother of the Church. In this way she is the mother of us all, a perfect
symbol offemale chastity, modesty, and humility. Would you want to see your
own mother displayed in her underwear on a State Museum's wall? It does not
make her "powerful" as the artist stated was her intent. It is degrading
to her and all women. A common problem in our culture---women as objects of
sexual desire. Our Lady of Guadalupe in her modesty is the most powerful female
icon in all of human culture! This action reduces Our Lady of Guadalupe to
a mere piece of folk art! It does not speak to the miracle that this image,
which was given by the Virgin herself, is associated with. TheVirgin as Our
Lady of Guadulupe is credited with converting an entire nation of people who
performed human sacrifices to the Catholic Faith---peacefully! I somehow doubt
that it would have been politically correct to have displayed a Hopi kachina
in a bikini at the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture. In a state where cultural
heritage is so rich, a little sensitivity on the part of those who are entrusted
with cultural treasures is expected!
Name: liella pichardo
This artist is nothing but a copy cat. The picture of the Virgin is everywhere,
he copied everything but the clothing, and was not even close to being artistic
or creative.
Name: Fran Hogan
Hey, I'm a taxpayer too! And I don't want MY taxes used to deny any form of
religious expression. Catholics should, if they want, protest and voice their
objection to anything they find offensive, butnot all of us worship the same
religious icons and not all of us want our freedoms determined by catholic
dogma.
Name: LONNICA MONTOYA
THERE'S TWO THINGS THAT MY TOLD ME NEVER TO SHARE YOUR IDEALS OF RELIGION
OR POLITCS IN A PUBLIC DISPLAY. AND IN LIGHT OF THIS RUDENESS OF SUCH I BEG
YOUR PARDON!!!!!
Name: Priscilla Gaussoin
As a Santa Fe native now living in the Midwest I was outraged and saddened
by the sacrilegious action, under the guise of art, by the Museum of International
Folk Art. Santa Fe was founded on Catholic principles and it appears to be
regressing to a Sodom and Gomorrah mentality. When did the true natives of
this once fine and spiritual city lose control to the agnostic and irreverant?
Name: eric
Santa Fe, "the Artistic fraud capitol of the west", these silly
and ignorant protests over this expressive exhibit just go to show how ignorant
my hometown is! And for you hypcritical,
fundamentalists..."God, speaks through artists...". Wake up and
embrace your fellow people.
Name: Jim Ross
I would like to thank the Museum of New Mexico and the curatorial staff of
the Museum of International Folk Art for bringing "CyberArte" to
our New Mexican community. I found the show to be not only thoughtful and
creative, but inspiring as well. Naturally, as an anglo male, raised in a
protestant family, I had no idea the show would generate such valuable discussion.
Although the curatorial staff has been accused of being "insensitive",
I don't get it. I mean, aren't these the same curators who recently brought
us "Santiago!" and "Sin Nombre: Hispana and Hispano Artists
of theWPA" (the latter show being one of the most original and impressive
exhibitions of Hispanic WPA-era art ever exhibited in this country.)? If that's
not cultural sensitivity, I don't know what is. Finally, as a taxpayer and
resident of New Mexico, I am proud to pay for a public institution that honestly
educates us on the diversity of our wonderfully complex world. Fortunately,
we live in a democracy where ideas and icons don't have to be defined and
controlled by a single world-view, but may be freely borrowed and adapted.
As citizens of this society, the opportunity to adopt and personalize the
world around us is one of our greatest freedoms. Keep up the good work Museum
of New Mexico!! I look forward to helping pay for future great shows on April
15th.
Name: Uncle Sam
What would be the reaction to a Star of David placed in a jar of urine just
as the Crucfix has been...in the name of "art." I find the idea
of either repulsive! No tax money for art! Why should government subsidze
any industry?
Name: Katherine Reilly
The tragedy here is not only the attempted abasement of the Virgin Mother
of God, but the abasement of the artist herself. No one in their right mind
and specifically, no one who loved God, would even remotely entertain the
idea of painting the Queen of Heaven and Earth in the kind of pornography
that this so-called artist has portrayed Mary. The sickness of soul that possesses
this woman is heartbreaking, and just as heartbreaking are the museum people
and the lawyer from NM and DC who stand to "uphold" the secular
rationale for allowing freedom of expression. This is not freedom but enslavement
to the twisted opinions of the secular world, sadly, a secular world which
has absolutely no concept of the glories of God and His Mother Mary nor of
what they're doing. When Christ hung in such utter agony on the Wood Cross,
the Cross that Redeemed humanity, His words remain the most poignant words
the world has ever heard: "Forgive them Father for they know not what
they are doing." And, so to this artist and the museum director and the
Washington, DC lawyer, I say "Forgive them Father for they don't what
they have done..." All their so-called worldly knowledge, all of their
so-called worldly influence, all of their pitiful human "knowledge"
only shows the great lovers of God that these folks are in some real serious
prayers and petitions most specifically to the Blessed Virgin to intercede
in their souls to open their minds and to convert them, for they are the ones
who are in trouble.
Name: Rosemarie Veliz
I am totally disgusted with Our Most Blessed Mother being displayed in such
a manor. I guess Satan is not going to stop his attacks against Our Holy Mother
of God until She herself will chain him up as promised. Sad to see he lives
in the artist. It is Catholic bashing again.I would never apply the word artist
to an idiot that is possessed.
Name: Deborah Timmons
What a joy it is to be a practicing Catholic in this day and age! I can watch
while my beliefs are scorned and abused, mocked and ridiculed, in movies,
on television, in song, and in the art world. Itis not art to depict the mother
of God in a bikini, nor to depict Christ as a naked woman, as He wasin another
piece of "art". I say simply "the emperor has no clothes".
We may be told it is a beautiful piece of fabric, and a great deal of people
will believe that it is, because, after all, the experts say it is. But the
emperor is still naked, despite what the experts say.
And this is not art, but religious abuse. And
people with faith, any faith, should be offended. Those of us who still have
enough courage to believe, when belief is so unpopular, are following the
footsteps of our God. We are scourged, whipped, abused and eventually may
be crucified in the name of public right to freedom of expression. Still we
have to remember that our God, loves all of us, and believes in all of us,
eventhose who do not love Him and do not believe in Him.
Name: Joan
I thought true artists were supposed to be creative instead of always falling
back on controversial issues like attacking religious subjects. Could these
artists enjoy stirring up controversy? Are they hoping to become famous by
offending a large part of the population? The Blessed Mother is the pure Mother
of God. Any portrayal such as the one in Santa Fe is offensive. I only wish
I could defend the Blessed Virgin's honor more than this feeble effort. May
God forgive these insensitive artists---but can they be called real "artists?"
I agree, this effort is neither creative or artistic.
Name: Dora Gallardo
Out of 56 comments posted, there are only 11 in favor of this Blasphemy (and,
of course, that is what it is...no matter how much you deny it). I believe
that if many more people responded, the percentages would remain the same.
Alma Lopez is being used as an instrument against God, against Our Blessed
Mother, against the Catholic Church, and against women.
She has fallen for the lie, the deception, as
many women have--feminism, relativism, humanism. A name by any other name
is still the same...godlessness. The saddest part about this is that she might
not find out about her horrible contribution to the evil that exists in our
society right now (abortion, mothers and fathers raping, abusing and killing
their children, marriages and families being destroyed daily, children killing
children) until it's too late, until she meets her Maker. And she will! Let
us pray for her. She is a child of God, made in His image and likeness; and
as upset and saddened or horrified and hearbroken as we all are about this,
no one could be more heartbroken that Our Lord and Our Blessed Mother. The
picture (just a picture, not art) will be removed, Alma Lopez will repent
and ask God for forgiveness. Because men (and I don't insult the reader by
having to say men AND WOMEN for we all know that in Holy Scripture and historically
the word men was inclusive) are NOT more powerful than God or than Our Blessed
Mother. They may believe otherwise. They, too, will be very surprised when
they have to answer to the Lord. They are going to be very surprised with
what will happen in this instance and others like it. For there are many people
praying against these horrible insults to God Almighty and to His Beautiful
Mother. Please join me in the most powerful weapon that we have againt this
and other evils...prayer. It is very fitting that we pray...HAIL MARY, FULL
OF GRACE, THE LORD IS WITH THEE. BLESSED ART THOU AMONG WOMEN AND BLESSED
IN THE FRUIT OF THY WOMB, JESUS. HOLY MARY, MOTHER OF GOD, PRAY FOR US SINNERS,
ESPECIALLY FOR ALMA LOPEZ, THOMAS WILSON, JOYCE ICE, AND EDSON WAY, NOW AND
AT THE HOUR OF OUR DEATH. AMEN. For those of you who prefer to pray in Spanish,
please join me...DIOS TE SALVE, MARIA, LLENA ERES DE GRACIA. EL SENOR ES CONTIGO.
BENDITA TU ERES ENTRE TODAS LAS MUJERES Y BENDITO ES EL FRUTO DE TU VIENTRE,
JESUS. SANTA MARIA, MADRE DE DIOS, RUEGA POR NOSOTROS, ESPECIALMENTE POR ALMA
LOPEZ, THOMAS WILSON, JOYCE ICE, Y EDSON WAY, AHORA Y EN LA HORA DE NUESTRA
MUERTE. AMEN. LORD HAVE MERCY ON US AND ON OUR ERRING BRETHREN. AMEN.
Name: Frank
Some thoughts on the impertinently bold and callus behavior of the Curator
of the International Folk Art Museum of Santa Fe on the Crude and rude portrayal
of Our Lady of Guadalupe in a Bikini. How dare she impose her freedom of expression
by infringing on our Religious beliefs and all we hold sacred. How would she
like for someone to take an image of her mother, sister or other person she
holds in high esteem and degrade, distort, mutilate or do anything they want
to it just to show their freedom of expression? Our Culture, tradition, history,
and religion are most precious to us.
This freedom of expression is in very poor taste, one that we can not and should tolerate! Our Lady of Guadalupe is the patron of the Hispanic Culture. The Hispanic People are being targeted most cruelly by portraying their Patroness in this manner. She has been our Patroness for almost 500 years, and for one person to display and desecrate one of Our Most Holy Images, just because Government allows freedom of expression, is indispicable to say the least. It is no wonder our youth, our society, our country have become so unruly and corrupt.
Actions such as these demonstrate a lack of
respect for those of us whos constitutional freedom of belief is regarded
as holy.
Name: Russell
Do you not beleive in the teachings that you are yelling that this art is
tearing down? Are you not taught to turn the other cheek? You make this kind
of art famous/ important by your own reactions.
Name: Santa Fe Native, I.Smith-Roberts
Although I'm not Catholic, I am also a Christian, and having to see this "depiction"
of the mother of Our Lord Jesus; well - it IS offensive to the eyes of this
62-year old grandmother! We here in the Ozarks surely empathize with home-town
folks. In 1972-1982, AJ and I spent many weeks in Arizona; in Mexico, DF;
in Belize; making many friends - with whom we still communicate. It's unimaginable
to me what THEY might think -OR DO- if they were exposed to such a travesty;
being, for the most part, 100% more CONSERVATIVE IN THEIR BELIEFS, than we
here in the good old USA. FREEDOM? TRASH!
Name: Dj Aaron B
I was watching the evening news last night on one of the networks when this
story came across the screen. A woman who was a supporter of the artist said
thay "The Artist is a devout Roman Catholic". To that woman I have
only one thing to say "A good tree, produces good fruit, a bad tree produces
bad fruit". Every devout Roman Catholic in the world would be offended
by that sorry depiction of a Beautiful Loving and strong Woman. Mary is the
Mother of Jesus Christ. That's His Mom, why would a "Devout Roman Catholic"
disrespect God the Father and His Son Jesus by portraying Mary as a Bikini
Model? Gods Holy spirit has made His voice clear on this issue through real
Devout Roman Catholics "This is Unacceptable, It
is an Abomination". Our Lady of Guadalupe was not merely a painting created
by a human hand, it was a Miracle, a Sign that was Given to Juan Diego to
remind all of us that God is Real, God cares and that God loves every Human
soul that ever was . Why would someone want to disrespect an act of love.
The World today loves to attack Roman Catholics and makes a mockery of our
beliefs. To the World I say this, If it were a picture of a Mass Murderer
such as Adolpf Hitler or Jeffery Dahlmer portrayed as a Lover of Children
and a Hero of the weak, there would be a great outcry because of the Misrepresentation
of the Truth. Now perhaps you will understand why We find this image so wrong.
It is a Blatent misrepresentation of the Truth with in respect to the Character
of Mary and the Nature of God. This painting should be held in the same regard
as a picture that would Display Hitler as a friend to Jewish Children, Blastphemous!
Name: Theresa Evans
Alma Lopez is a disgrace and what she has done is an abomination and an insult
to the Catholic faith. Shame on her and shame on any museum that would display
such a piece of work.
Name: Dorothy Wilker
I am not surprised by this latest outrage against Our Blessed Mother. There
have been many insults and blasphemies against Her in recent years. This proves
to me one thing> That there are forces of evil in this country and the
world that will oppose anything or any one who might stand in their way.
There is a war going on right now for the hearts
and souls of the people in the world. This spiritual warfoare has been spoken
of throughout the history pf the church. It is especially bad at this time
when the Virgin Mary is rallying her children to her side. The evil one will
stike at heer in every way he can. I for one will pray very much for those
who are so deceived as to think they are not doing anything wrong. I will
also pray much in atonement for these insults. Please say an extra rosary
or the chaplet of the seven sorrows to atone for this and other offenses
Name: Lillian
I think the picture depicting the Blesed Virgin Mary the "artist"has
drawn is despicable,an outrage against the Virgin Mary and the Catholic Faith
Name: Miriam Ogden
I find it absolutely appalling that the Blessed Virgin Mary is being degraded
once again in such an outragous manner. What is wrong with people that want
to do these kinds of things? I can't even imagine how much this offends Our
Lord. We must pray for these poor souls and we must pray for peace.
Name: Fran
It is sad that this kind of disrespect of ANYONE's religious beliefs is taken
so lightly in this country. Call it art if you'd like. I call it sacriledge.
Are we so far removed from the Holocoust to know the difference?
Name: R. SHEA
THE NEA WILL NEVER RECEIVE A PENNY FROM ME UNTIL IT DISCONTINUES DISPLAYING
ALL THE TWO-BIT ARTIST'S (WHO REALLY BELIEVE THEY ARE ARTIST) WORKS DEPICTING
THE VIRGIN MARY AND OTHER RELIGIOUS IMAGES IN A DISCUSTING AND OBNOXCIOUS
MANNER. THEY DON'T KNOW THE MEANING OF TRUE ART. NEITHER DO THE MUSEUMS THAST
PROMOTE THIS JUNK.
Name: Mrs. Trish Alston
This is an outrage not only to devout Catholics, but to the people of the
world. She is the Mother of all peoples on earth and the mother of Our Lord.
I pray for all those persons involved in letting this insult continue.
Name: Allen O'Donnell
This museum has accepted an insult to the Roman Catholic Church - the universal
Church - and to all those who do love Mary, the Mother of Jesus. This museum
ought have its budget reduced until it learn that porn is not art.
Name: MARIA BARELA
I find it very offensive that the Mother of God that represents, purity, holiness,
goodness, sanctity,and is Immaculate, should be portrayed in a way that is
very offensive to all who Love the Lord. This is His Mother. Would the person
who made the decision to hang this hang a similar portrait of his or her mother?
The gentleman who say's he wouldn't think twice about hanging the image, hang
a similar representation of his wife or Mother. I think not!! I comes down
to respect, and they obviously don't have any respect for the Catholic Faith
and for people in New Mexico that feel strongly about this. Offending the
Lord and His Mother and the people who love them is not something that should
be done so flippantly.
Name: elaine
i think we should all get out oure rosary beads and pray, pray,pray. how long
do we think the dear lord will let his holy mother be dishonered like this?
may god have mercey on us all:
Name: Dorine Farry
I Now know why the Blessed Virgin is crying tears of blood!This is so disrespectful,there
is no respect for anything especially life.
Name: Francie
I have just read the story about the picture in the museum in Santa Fe of
the Virgin Mary in a Bikini.
Also that the person that painted that picture
is a Roman Catholic. No, that person is NOT a Roman Catholic. No Roman Catholic
would ever defile the Blessed Mother in any way. Just bear in mind that Jesus
loves his mother very much. I wouldn't want to be the artist or the people
condoning the hanging of this painting or even defending the hanging of it
when the time comes to stand before the Lord. Watch out people; it won't be
long now.
Name: E. Dominguez
It was only a few months ago December 12th I was sitting in church praying
to my holy mother. Celebrating her holy day watching
many fellow Catholics coming together as one in the name of Gods mother. Its
was only a couple of days ago when I saw my mother disgraced by a fellow Catholic,
or she said she's Catholic. I can't believe she defends herself with the word
art. I can't believe some people aren't even bothered by the poor art. Would
any one especially Alma Lopez want to see their mother naked in a bikini NO!!!.
Lets face it this Alma is not part of the church. She is some two bit artist
who nobody knew until she created her art. She knew her picture would stir
up people and she would get some fame for her poor taste of art. She would
remember if she is Catholic the many times her mother prayed for the Blessed
Mother prayer. The devotion Catholics have for their mother. There is no sin
greater then a sin you know you are committing. Alma forgot one thing when
she took it upon herself to degrade The Holy Mother. " Honor thy Mother
and Father " Here is one thing I want to say everyone it comes from this
song I know in Spanish, forgive me if I offend anyone, " Es Dios que
nos da la vida y el te va quitar por eso en este mundo no a que hablar de
mas " " Its God who gave us life and he is going to take it thats
why in this world we shouldn't talk to much." To Alma I dearly hope the
attention she is getting is worth it. Dios te bendiga y te ayude.
Name: Pam Russell
People will reap what they sow. If you have no regard for one another and
their faiths then we are doomed as a nation. I would never intend to upset
a group of people with "my artistic expression" concerning a beloved
figure in their culture or faith. It is plain old evil. Satan may win this
round but remember Jesus has already won the Battle.
Name: Flora Baldwin
I am deeply disturbed by this terrible depiction of Our Lady supposedly described
as folk art. It is an insult to all Catholics and to the Mother of God to
be so demeaned and having been made a sex object. I cannot believe that there
is no action being taken to remove this piece of garbage. I'm sure if a similar
picture of one of our presidents were done in this fashion there would be
quick action taken. I sincerely hope that you will realize how many people
are offended and take the proper action and remove it permanently. How sick
our society is that they have reduced art to such a low medium. I pray for
this artist.
Name: Aurora Mistica
The picture is so offensive and sacrilegious. For you people who use art as
an excuse for expression of indecency and immorality, we pray for your enlightenment
to see the Truth. It seems that your minds are cloudy and cannot distinguish
what is really morally right and morally wrong. Don't you remember the Ten
Commandments of God?
Name: Judy Kelley
I find it very offensive that the Blessed Mother of God is portrayed in a
bikini. She was the purest of all Gods' creatures, and I am sure our dear
Lord is weeping at the sight of his Mother thus portrayed. This country has
strayed far from its religious roots and I wonder how long before God says
enough.
Why do people think there are so many diasters,
earthquakes, floods, and even the stock market problems. God is trying to
wake us up. But He will not stand for His Mother being portrayed in such an
insulting fashion. We should pray for the artist, Santa Fe, and our country
because a time will come when God says enough. I love my Mother and the Catholic
Faith and can not stand by and see her degraded, even if it is just an opinion
on the internet.
Name: Delores Matthews
This so called art work is an insult to Our Lady and one can tell that satan
is at work trying to distroy the minds of such artist!This picture should
belong in a pit of fire along with satan. IT IS NOT OURLADY!!!
Name: Joseph
This is not art. It is a sacrilege. I echo the words of Jesus when He was
dying on the Cross! "Forgive them Father, for they know not what they
do". May God have mercy.
Name: Judy Clancy Kelly
Only the devil loves something like this...Jesus, Jesus,Jesus.
Name: Katharine H. Kernan
I do not consider this picture art. To do this represents a desire to besmirch
the reality of the Virgin and is totally disrespectful to her, and to other
men and women.
Name: Jeannine Chartrand
GROTESQUE! This picture does not even come close to any resemblance of the
Virgin Mary.Obviously, this self-proclaimed 'catholic artist' has completely
lost it! Our Blessed Mother,the VIRGIN Mary, as the most humble and pure woman
that she was, never bared her body in any way. In the descriptions given by
seers/visionairies around the world Our Lady is pictured wearing a long dress
and a mantle on her shoulders and veil on her head. She is the Model of Purity,
created byGod to become the Mother of His Son, our Saviour. This catholic
artist needs to work on her faith instead of attempting to become popular
by degrading the Mother of the World. I fail to see any artistic talent in
such a gross reproduction. Where are your moral values? Do you wonder why
the country is hit by storms, tornadoes, etc and with more to come as predicted?
I pray for you and beg our Dear Mother to overlook this misrepresentation
of Her.
Name: Linda M.
After seeing this picture of our Blessed Lady and reading all the opinions,
I wept tears of sorrow for our country. Why don't we Catholics wake up? We
are a sleeping giant. If we would stand together, we could change this country
and bring it back to God. There is no other group in this country that can
be attacked like Catholics. Maybe that is why God is allowing all these pieces
of trashy art to be created. Hopefully, one of these days we Catholics will
get angry enough that we will no longer allow the persecution of our faith
and the desecration of our Blessed Mother. Let's pray that the Holy Spirit
will descend on our country and wake up Catholics.
Name: Cynthia Rojas
I find it appalling that Alma Lopez, a Latina artist, has been so widely criticized
for expressing her artistic and political views. When corporations splatter
women's naked and half naked bodies all over billboards, t.v., magazines,
etc for profit no one says anything. As a young Latina I believe anyone and
everyone who is so moved to criticize Ms. Lopez should think about their complicity
to the outright sexist and misogynistic images plastered everywhere.
Name: leti
this artist's work does not have to conform to religious ideologies. the artwork
was not displayed in a church, but in a museum where artwork belongs! many
religious people are complaining...but many do not complain when sacredness
is violated everyday-when people drink, gamble, and do many other "unholy"
things... so, people should not attack this artist for displaying artwork
that reflects her culture and introduces thought that is supported by many!
museums should support the display of artwork that realistically reflects
people in society.
Name: Lee W
I live in Santa Monica by the beach, southwest of Pasadena, city of roses
(where Alma Lopez lives). Lopez presents a connection between my life and
her religion. I find her interpretation of the Queen of Heaven much more inspirational
and devotional than some weeping, weak, subservient plastic Marys I've seen.
I think Lopez' "Our Lady" is beautiful and kind and generous. Her
angel is bountiful. I notice most of the Catholic objections to Lopez "Our
Lady" come from males. I guess "Their Lady" is more like the
subservient kind and they belong to a long line of males that has fought to
women oppressed for centuries. If macho males succeed in suppressing Alma's
artistic version of her Catholic faith, maybe Alma might consider defecting
to a religion which has a higher regard for strong natural women of our times
(and all times). Mary (or Miriam) is an ancient holy name. Mary wasn't always
the monopoly of the Catholic Church of Rome. Once she was THE Great Goddess
of the Sea (Mar or Mer). The Great Mother Goddess welcomes women and men whom
theCatholic church rejects --welcomes them into the "old religion"
-- some call it paganism. The GreatGoddess loves that Alma can relate to natural
beauty and womanpower. Your Great Mother would welcome you home, Alma. [I
didn't mean to get "religious" in this public forum. I had meant
to discuss the artistic aspects of Cyber Arte, but I read statements by "religious"
Catholics and decided to deal with matters of faith -- Come on you guys, there
is PLENTY of public art that appeals to your religion. Can't you tolerate
occasional differences? How weak is your faith?]
Name: Pamela Cromwell
I don't find the picture offensive. For me, and for many women (Chicana, Anglo,
whatever), the Virgin has been a great source of strength and courage, and
our only feminine connection to God. I don't think it's wrong to look upon
your mother's body, nor is it disrepectful to depict the Virgin as a proud
Latina in full possession of her sexuality / womanhood. Is there something
inherently evil and non-virginal about a woman dressed in roses? Is a woman
with bare limbs and midriff automatically known to be less than virginal or
motherly? The so called 'bikini' is hardly a provocative outfit (and it's
anything but pornographic); your mother has probably worn as much (or less)
to the beach or public pool. I don't think it's the model's attire that has
disturbed the devout Guadalupeans, but the notion of feminine subservience
replaced by feminine strength. This kind of image reinforces ideas that conservative
Catholics (and others) find so threatening: that a woman can be an independent
thinker, that she can make her own choices (as Mary did), that she can be
beautiful and even sexy without feeling degraded. I don't know that I particularly
like Alma's picture, but there's no reason why the museum shouldn't exhibit
it. There's nothing wrong with protests and dialogues; controversy is good
for keeping everyone sharp, and it may deepen your deepest convictions or
give you a new perspective on important issues, a better understanding of
other people. Calling for resignations and threatening the museum with funding
cuts and even bombs is radical, criminal, militant and downright un-Christian.
Let the picture remain, and let each of us relate to it in freedom - to approve
or disapprove, understand or hate, whatever the case may be. Peace.
Name: paty
wuzup to all my hispanic gente well it's true that we were brought to the
world nude but also the virgin was but we should have respect to that i know
its no big deal to some people but if all you come to think if they displayed
that picture at a church then some people will miss interpet what they're
trying to say in the picture and like i said we should have respect because
she's our mother who guides us through out the good and bad and repaint that
picture the right way because some people do have a big deal about it there
are people who are very religious out there who do care whats painted there
so what kind of example are we putting on little children that the virgin
is nude I don't think so thats my opinion
Name: KJ
How many centuries has this debate been taking place? You're providing this
artist with some greatpublicity by dragging this out. Get over it.
Name: edna
Poor alma. It seems she is depicting her hatred toward her own mother, and
herself, by this sacrilegious act to our Heavenly Mother. May Our Merciful
Lord Jesus open her heart and mind and remove the bitterness she carries within.
Name: Margaret McLaughlin
The 4th commandment says honor thy Father and Mother.To offend Gods Mother
is to offend God Himself.If an artist wants to offed God in a private place
so be it.True Christians must defend insults to Christ in public places.Catholis
must learn to speak up and defend thier faith as do the Jewish People.This
never would have been allowed if it were againts the Jewish faith.All faiths
have the same rights againstattacks of thier beliefs.
Name: Cheri Hackbarth
I believe that the protests for this art piece is just a way for people to
push their religious beliefs on others. It is displayed in a museum and not
in a church. I believe this wouldn't even be an issue in other countries.
Our country has been on the wrong track for years and trying to censor something
that has the human form, especially a woman's is just confusing to the whole
aspect of sexuality. If you look at the history in Europe, you will see the
human form of men and women portrayed and respected, not censored. I know
people of different faiths wouldn't want others forcing their opinions on
them, so stop trying to tell others was is wholesome and good.
Name: Anita Quintana
A Local Lady Speaks about "Our Lady"
It comes to no surprise to me that some members of the Catholic community of Northern New Mexico have reacted so passionately to the piece of art entitled "Our Lady" at the Museum of International Folk Art in Santa Fe. Since 1531 La Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe has had specific meaning to the Catholic community. For the Catholic community she has symbolized Christianity and its teachings, so her image, as a symbol, is representative of something sacred to many people. It is the symbolic meaning of her image that is sacred, not the image itself.
For example: If you give your beloved a rose
as a symbol of your love and affection, and that rose falls to the ground,
and in your excitement you accidentally step on it and crush it, does that
mean that you have crushed and disrespected your love? No. Of course not.
That rose was given to your beloved as a reminder
of your love. That rose was not the love itself but an icon symbolic of your
love. In the same way icons, statues, and images have symbolic meaning.
They are reminders of a belief or ideal. They are not the belief itself. The belief is within us not outside of us. Our love for our familia is inside of us not outside in an object. Alma Lopez piece entitled "Our Lady," in my opinion does not undermine the symbolic meaning of the image, it is a representation or interpretation of her personal relationship to La Senora. It stems from the same interpretations of the teachings that many of those opposing it were raised with. Both a rose and the image of La Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe are symbols. So why has this piece of art elicited such passionate reactions? Can we not separate object from spirit? Has meaning become second chair to image? Are we idolizing paper and ink rather than living the TRUTH? Are women still seen as possessions? As objects to be owned? Is it because some are claiming ownership of La Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe? This is a piece of art we are talking about. Not blasphemy. It is an image not a belief. Not a possession. We cannot in this day and age allow art to be determined by religious organizations. Nor can we allow our beliefs to be only as deep as an icon. We need to uphold our right to freedom of speech. And if we be believe in the love and compassion that La Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe represents then we need to treat each other with that love and compassion and not be judgmental of how she appears to us.
Anita Quintana Graphic Designer / Artist
Please contact the Governor and express your
opinion at
http://www.governor.state.nm.us/constituentserv/contactform.htm Contact your
legislator at
http://legis.state.nm.us/lis/thanks.asp
Name: Mary Rivera Griswold
I was moved to tears when I saw the digital photograph of Our Lady. The artist,
if she is Catholic and Hispanic as wel, l seems to have lost all respect for
our culture and most especiallyfor what our culture holds in highest esteem.
I am sure she did not learn this at her mothers" knee. SINVERGUENZA
Name: Anna Archuleta
It's terrible that Alma Lopez can try and destroy the love and honore Our
Lady protrays to the Catholic Faith. For being a hispanic woman its a disgrace
to find that she would go tho these extremes. What to make money or what ??????
God help her!!!!
Name: Ken Earle
Trash is trash wherever someone may choose to hang it. The bottom line of
the whole fiasco is summed up by the "artist" herself when she thanked
the Archbishop and others for all her free publicity. That is what it is all
about, free publicity. How better to get their 15 minutes of fame than insult
something or someone. If I took a Katchina mask and put it on a nude Native
American maiden, the hellfire and damnation of the politically correct would
tear me limb from limb. I have a great idea, why not do pop art of Martin
Luther King Jr wearing a KKK hat?!?! Ken Earle
Name: Carla Garcia
I read an opinion of a person saying that theres nothing wrong with the artist
using the image, because it has been used by all levels of Mexican and Chicano
societies, but let me remind those people of something. The times that the
Virgen's image has been used she was portrayed in her traditional image, NOT
in the way that artist Alma Lopez has portrayed it her as.
Therefore I do not agree for people to be portraying the Virgen in her non-traditional image. Some people don't realize that for many catholics the Virgen is sacred because she is theVirgen, mother of our Lord Jesus Christ. Furthermore I believe that the image of the Virgen de Guadalupe could be used as long as she is portrayed in her traditional image, NOT in the image that she is portrayed by the artist Alma