“A digital image by Mexican artist Alma Lopez shows Our Lady of Guadalupe wearing a floral bikini, with her hands on her hips in what some consider a provocative pose. She is standing on a black crescent moon held by a bare breasted female butterfly angel.” This digital image went on show in University College Cork as part of a conference on Chicano culture — US citizens of Mexican descent — organised by the university’s Mexican Studies Centre recently and prompted the Most Reverend Dr John Buckley to say: “Respect for Mary, the mother of God, is bred in the bones of Irish people and entwined in their lives. It is regrettable and unacceptable that this exhibition seeks to portray the mother of God in such an offensive way“. The Bishop was backed by Cork South Central Fine Gael TD Jerry Buttimer who said UCC should not be lending support to an event which is considered by many to be “overtly blasphemous and blatantly disrespectful”.
This appeared in the printed version of the Irish Examiner Thursday, June 23, 2011
“I THOUGHT I heard some arrogant things said on TV over the last number of years but I think two of the panel members on the recent Vincent Browne TV show must now receive the prize trophy for arrogance. It was sad to hear two elderly people, Alan Stanford and Nell McCafferty attempting to defend the blasphemous art exhibition of the “Mother of God” in UCC, Cork… I think students who attend this college and have devotion to the Virgin Mary should quit UCC and attend another university in protest at such lack of respect for people’s beliefs…” This is an excerpt from a letter to the editor by John Donohoe of Portarlington in The Irish Examiner. (Read the full letter HERE)
The exhibition drew demonstrators to the Gates of UCC objecting to the exhibition. I understand if the tables were turned and there was a suggested slur against Islam there would be a fatawā indictment against Lopez immediately. But aren’t we suppose to turn the other cheek? ‘forgive them as they know not what they do’ and MOVE ON?
What I can’t understand is the same Newspaper, The Irish Examiner over the past few weeks have been advertising, on 48 sheet outdoor posters, special reports on various issues affecting Irish society – to advertise these they have littered the country with strong in-your-face massive images without a whisper of outcry.
For the report of excessive drinking in Irish Society; “Cathleen Ní Houlihan” is drinking from a can of cider as she drags herself legless across the floor. For the report of isolation in the Priesthood; a Priest prays as he is being burnt at the steak. And latest one (report due on the 8th July 2011) the best one of all, is on how Porn is affecting today’s teens. (as seen in today’s Irish Examiner – below – apologies for the shocking reproduction)
These are really strong images, well done to Dublin based Chemistry for the design and fair play to the Irish Examiner for running with them.
But how come nobody objected to the image of the woman who represents our national identity pissed out of her mind, or a priest going up in flames and last but not least a class room full of blow up dolls? Try explaining the last one to a group of 6 or 7 year olds in the back of the car as you collect them from ballet. Give me the Virgin Mary in a flowery bikini any day.