POLETEISMO

Recently, the Cultural Center of the Philippines was forced to close their exhibit entitled “Kulo”. This was due to the threats, vandalisms and claims of blasphemy that Mideo Cruz received regarding his artwork “Poleteismo”.

It included images of Jesus having: a red nose like that of Rudolph, ears of Mickey Mouse and an adjustable wooden penis.

In addition, a condom was placed near the image of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Here are some of the reactions of influential people:

-Arch Bishop Oscar Cruz called the artwork as a “consummate sacrilege”. He said that the exhibit was sick and sickening.

-Former First Lady Imelda Marcos described the work as “ugly” and “isn’t true”. She requested the exhibit to be closed

-Sen. Tito Sotto threatened CCP that its funding will be stopped if they will not close the exhibit.

-Sen. Jinggoy Estrada wanted the CCP board of officials to all resign.

I was really shocked when I saw the exhibit from the news. Maybe because it is something I don’t usually see and would not rather see. But suddenly I asked myself “What if Mideo Cruz is right” “What if I’m just afraid to accept the fact that nowadays, some of my fellow countrymen don’t worship God but worship money, fame and power instead?” One proof for this is the never- ending corruption in our country! Some politicians kill each other for power. People are getting poorer and poorer because of their greediness.

I understand the Church for being offended because the image of Christ was been destroyed. The faith of the Roman Catholics might be shaken by this very incident. But some say that the Church doesn’t have the right to close the exhibit while some agrees to what the Church did.

It is good to know that the Church and the government are helping each other on this issue. For me, this is the government’s way on fixing its cracked relationship with the Church- few months ago, the Senate accused the Bishops on using the SUV’s they requested for personal use. They felt disrespected and said that they will just return the SUV’s instead.

The point is we all have different perceptions in life. What might be beautiful for me might be ugly for you whereas what is beautiful for you might be ugly for me. We should not judge people easily because if we do so, we are only judging ourselves. We should know our similarities and respect our differences.

It is only an image of God and not God Himself. My faith will not be shaken by this single piece of artwork.

“If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change the way you think about it.” - Anonymous

RICHARD ROGERS

Richard Rogers is one of the most prestigious architects in the world today. He was born on July 23, 1933 in Florence, Italy. During his time at Yale, he met a fellow student by the name of Norman Foster. After graduating they returned to England and quickly set up the architectural practice known as Team 4. Team 4 was comprised of Richard Rogers, Norman Foster, Su Rogers, and Wendy Cheesman and was instantly recognized as a high-tech industrial design firm. Unfortunately in 1967 the practice split up and each went their separate ways. In 1971, Rogers teamed up with fellow architect Renzo Piano for what turned out to be one of the most well known buildings in England, the Pompidou Centre. This was the building that defined the great beginning of Richard Rogers’s career, and established his unique style. In 1977 he created his own firm, Richard Rogers and Partnership.

His works reject the classical past while enthusiastically embracing a technological future with its accompanying aesthetic. Although he places emphasis on technology, he believes that it cannot be an end in itself, but must attempt to solve existing social and ecological problems.

Philosophy:

“Form follows profit is the aesthetic principle of our times.”

Works:

Centre Pompidou

Richard Rogers & Renzo Piano, Architects

1971-1977

Designed in partnership with Renzo Piano, the Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris, revolutionized museums.

Museums of the past had been elite monuments. In contrast, the Pompidou was de¬signed as a busy center for social activities and cultural exchange. With support beams, duct work, and other functional elements placed on the exterior of the building, Centre Pompidou in Paris appears to be turned inside out, revealing its inner workings. Centre Pompidou is often cited as a landmark example of High- Tech Architecture.

The Centre Pompidou shows mechanical and structural systems on the exterior.

Lloyd’s of London

Richard Rogers, Architect

1978-1986

Set in the heart of London, England, Lloyd’s of London established Richard Rogers’ reputation as a creator of large urban buildings. Architectural Expressionism is the term often used by critics when they describe Rogers’ distinctive style. It serves as a meeting place where multiple financial backers or “members”, whether individuals or corporations, come together to pool and spread risk.

Lloyd’s of London is the world’s leading insurance market, housed in an award-winning modern building in Lime Street in the City of London.

Millennium Dome in Greenwich, England

Richard Rogers, Architect

1996-1999

Opened December 31, 1999, the Millennium Dome was built to celebrate the new millennium. The Millennium Dome was designed as a one-year, temporary structure. The Dome closed to visitors on December 31, 2000 - a few hours before the official start of the new millennium. Great Britain spent the next few years looking for ways to use the Dome and the surrounding land on the Greenwich Peninsula. The original exhibition complex was demolished, but the shell of the dome remains. The Millennium Dome is now centerpiece of the O2 entertainment district with an indoor arena, exhibition space, a music club, a cinema, bars, and restaurants.

The oddly-shaped Millennium Dome in Greenwich, England was designed as a one-year temporary structure but eventually became much more.

I have learned three things on Richard Rogers’ Architecture. First, Architects should design flexible structures that can accommodate changes as time passes by. Then, technology must help solve existing social and ecological problems. Lastly, structures must be environment and people- friendly.