Posted on 02/27/2006 3:39:39 PM PST by DTwistedSisterS
MEXICO CITY - Hundreds of tourists, art lovers and mere voyeurs flocked over the weekend to the opening of "The Death of God," the latest exhibit by controversial British artist Damien Hirst.
The show, the result of Hirst's three-month stay in Mexico, includes human skeletons, animals preserved in formaldehyde and skinned lambs, propped up as if praying or splayed upon crucifixes. One work shows a lamb kneeling inside a crystal container, looking as if it is carrying a white-covered Bible and red rosary between its legs.
As a bright oasis in the midst of these brutal pieces, Hirst slipped in two large diamonds covered by a kaleidoscope of hundreds of butterfly wings of different colors.
"They are in effect, very strong works, but our intention is not to provoke but to invite to reflection, to the discussion of ideas, and I think Hirst achieves that with impeccable quality," said Hilario Galguera, who owns the gallery. "I don't think they are provocative pieces simply to provoke, that would be very easy."
Javier Caballero, a 40-year old graphic designer attending the show, predicted a backlash from Mexico's ruling conservative National Action Party.
"This government is very Catholic and when certain very reactionary people find out and see the works, they're going to make a fuss," Caballero said. "But that will be a good thing in the end because it will make more people be interested and come and see other ways to make art."
Hirst wasn't staying around in Mexico to find out. Galguera said he left soon after the exhibit's opening and flew back to England.
For 45-year-old businessman Roberto Rivera, the show was not so hot. He called it "somewhat disturbing." But "very deep" is how Alexandra Morris, an art history student in her early 20s, described Hirst's message. "It's a show that hits you, whether you like it or not, it sparks many emotions."
All but two of the show's 30 works remained to be sold, said Galguera, who would not disclose prices.
~~~~ OK, Christians, this looks like we can call it blasphemy. Can we start the rioting, the embassy bombings, the death threats, the fires, the pillaging and raping?...
"They are in effect, very strong works, but our intention is not to provoke but to invite to reflection, to the discussion of ideas, and I think Hirst achieves that with impeccable quality," said Hilario Galguera...
Oh? What is his view on the Mooos-lim pictures?...
"but to invite to reflection, to the discussion of ideas"
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Yes....I insult your religion and you tell me about how you feel about it.....
Oh how insightful and compelling...the man is a genius../sarc
He is sick. End of discussion.
I predict this exhibit will get strong support from the press/intelligensia. Unless of course, some Muslim thinks that the butterfly wings spell "Muhammed" in Arabic, in which case the exhibit will be immediately extinguished.
Nah, a hearty "Who cares" should suffice.
I'm off to burn down my favorite Mexican restaurant. Fatwaguacomole!
When you don't have real talent, head for the gutter, the media will find you, because that is where many of them live.
Right. How about I burn down the Mexican embassy, not to provoke, but to invite reflection.......hey the muslims can....
The way I hear it, muslims say they worship the same God.
So this would appear to be blasphemy to the muslims, saying "God/Allah is dead".
That's a good point. I think this will fly under their already-low radar, which will prove what you and I already know.
Seems he is aching for some kind of reaction.
Really nasty stuff. That so-called artist is a fiend.
ART LOVERS? Any actual art lovers would rather die from a vomiting attack than look at sick crap like that.
"This government is very Catholic and when certain very reactionary people find out and see the works, they're going to make a fuss," Caballero said. "But that will be a good thing in the end because it will make more people be interested and come and see other ways to make art."
Ooops!
Methinks this sort of revelation isn't in this idiots best interest
WE MUST RIOT IN THE STREETS AND EXECUTE ALL WHO WOULD BLASPHEME THE NAME OF... oh, wait, that's a different religion.
A broken clock is right twice a day.......
DISCUSSION ABOUT:
"Crowds Throng to Damien Hirst Opening ["Death of God" Exhibit]"
This is not art, it is depraved and immoral blasphemy.
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Agreed!
God must think this crap is hilarious!
I don't care what point he's trying to make, deep down, he knows God is real.
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