Today in censorship
The artist: Igan D’Bayan
The work: Gothika Filipina 2
The exhibit: Asian International Art Exhibition (AIAE) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
The censor: The curators
The reason given: Officially, none. Igan never heard from the organizers. “I got a forwarded (actually a re-forwarded) e-mail from Ramon Orlina. The curator, using the unofficial-sounding e-mail address “smash_topek@yahoo.com,” told Mr. Orlina that they couldn’t put up my painting because “the secret part of a woman” is painted too clearly and that they hope the artist “could replace it with the other works that don’t bring any bad interpretation from or to the audiences.” The curator’s e-mail ends with one of those cute quotes on e-mail stationeries: “Never take anything Seriously, Never, Never, Never… That’s me.” I wonder if that’s a line from a Hannah Montana song.”
Where you can see this painting: The Crucible Gallery, 4/F SM Megamall Building A, Mandaluyong City.
When: February 16 – 28. There will be no opening reception but the artist will be present on the 16th.
Answers to questions you might be asking, unless you wandered onto this site purely by accident >>>
February 10th, 2010 at 09:30
Well, Malaysia. Waiting for similar clucking–um, chucking pala–from “art” “crazy” Singapore.
February 10th, 2010 at 11:50
I got this from the Facebook invite of Igan’s gf, Becca. This is his quote fround on the brochure: “My aim was not to disrespect the local culture, sensibilities and moral values of the host country, in any way. I didn’t create a provocative work for the sake of provocation. All I want to do is paint the inexpressible. And what I want to express cannot be reduced to nostalgic paintings that match the couch, or abstract sculptures that complement the carpet. The great Robert Williams once said that art is good when it’s on the rise and fighting for its life.” ? IGAN D’BAYAN