Posted on 07/15/2015 10:48:58 AM PDT by afraidfortherepublic
More than 13,000 people have signed an online petition calling on the Milwaukee Art Museum not to display a newly acquired portrait of retired Pope Benedict XVI fashioned from 17,000 colorful condoms.
The petition was circulated by CitizenGo.org, a conservative Christian advocacy site based in Madrid.
"The Milwaukee Art Museum's decision to display this offensive piece of art exposes a double-standard when it comes to offending religious groups," Caroline Craddock, the Boston-based U.S. campaigns director for CitizenGO said in a news release. "They would never dare insult Mohammad or other religious leaders the way they demean followers of Christ."
The site does not identify signers of the petition, and it is not clear how many live in Wisconsin. Craddock said by telephone that she would attempt to determine that information. Efforts to reach the museum on Wednesday morning were not immediately successful.
The art museum confirmed in June that it had acquired the controversial piece by Shorewood artist Niki Johnson and would display it when it completes the renovations of its permanent collections gallery in the fall.
The news drew condemnation from local Catholics, including Archbishop Jerome Listecki, many of whom vowed to cancel their memberships. Museum officials defended the acquisition, saying it has an obligation to "present art and ideas on a broad range of subjects... that challenge and engage." And they said they've heard from an equal number of patrons who voiced interest in seeing the piece.
Johnson has said that the portrait, titled "Eggs Benedict," was a commentary on the then-pontiff's comments during a a 2009 visit to Africa in which he suggested that the use of condoms could exacerbate the spread of AIDS. Many have derided Benedict's remarks as irresponsible, especially in Africa, where the majority of the world's AIDS deaths are occurring...snip
(Excerpt) Read more at jsonline.com ...
Niki Johnson of Shorewood created Eggs Benedict, a portrait of Pope Benedict made from condoms.
Niki Johnson's artwork, "Eggs Benedict," a portrait of the Pope made from condoms, was acquired by the Milwaukee Art Museum. The artist is from Shorewood.
Catholics should be battering down the doors of the Milwaukee Art Museum over this. They certainly shall get no more donations, or memberships, from this family. They actually PAID for this garbage.
FReep Mail me if you want on, or off, this Wisconsin interest ping list.
A public art museum engaged in insulting a large religious group
How terribly progressive of them....
Make a picture of Mohammed out of condoms. I’ll pay money to see that one!
UGH-ly.
First time I’ve seen it.
Personally, I am much more offended by this: Pope calls 'communist crucifix' protest art, but says he wasn't offended.
So much Hate from the left.
The Milwaukee Art Museum’s decision is as sick as Niki Johnson
Constitutionally guaranteed "Freedom of speech" is merely a protection for the Individual against the government oppressing or retaliating against someone as a result of their political opinions.
It is not a protection from the general populace or individuals who are offended sufficiently to want to beat someone's @$$.
I fully encourage individuals willing to pay the fine for assault, to beat this guy's @$$. Do this enough, and such people will make their opinions less offensive.
Coming soon (or not?):
The Milwaukee Art Museum decided to display a newly acquired portrait of alleged prophet Mohammed, fashioned from 17,000 colorful condoms.
“The Milwaukee Art Museum’s decision to display this offensive piece of art exposes a single-standard when it comes to offending religious groups,” Nellie Chamberlain, the Madison-based U.S. campaigns director for ReligionOfPeace.com said in a news release. “They are treating Mohammad and other religious leaders the way they treat followers of Christ.”
The art museum confirmed in June that it had acquired the controversial piece by Belgian artist Chuck Martel and would display it when it completes the renovations of its permanent collections gallery in the fall.
Museum officials defended the acquisition, saying it has an obligation to “present art and ideas on a broad range of subjects... that challenge and engage.”
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