Gay-Themed Art Exhibit to Include Film Clip of Ants Crawling on a Crucifix
- Posted on November 9, 2011 at 2:17pm by
Billy Hallowell
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NEW YORK (The Blaze/AP) — No, this isn’t déjà vu. Last year, around this same time, the Blaze reported about the same controversial video clip featuring ants crawling on a crucifix that was supposed to be included in an exhibit at the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C. Now, the video is back, once again raising eyebrows.
A museum in New York City that is launching a gay-themed art exhibit is going to include the film, which many have dubbed as anti-religious. The controversial exhibit opens next week at the Brooklyn Museum, an institution known for presenting edgy and bold artworks that in the past included a painting of the Virgin Mary that incorporated elephant dung.
Chris Ofili, Holy Virgin Mary 1996
The film, called, “A Fire in My Belly,” was created by the late David Wojnarowicz. It was pulled from the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C., when the exhibition was shown there last year. The ant scene angered some in Congress and the Catholic League called the work sacrilegious.
It is one of more than 100 pieces in “Hide/Seek: Difference and Desire in American Portraiture,” the first major museum exhibition to explore how gender and sexual identity have shaped American art.
Brooklyn Museum Director Arnold Lehman said Wednesday that the museum wanted to present the exhibition “clearly because it’s such an important aspect of American art in the 20th century.”
“We decided to reconstitute it as originally planned by the curators. We haven’t changed the exhibition in any way other than having to replace a handful of works of art that were otherwise promised to other exhibitions or institutions,” he added.
Wojnarowicz’s work explores the subject of AIDS and was created before the artist was diagnosed with the disease, which claimed his life at age 37 in 1992.
The ant scene fills only 10 seconds of the short film, which was shot on Super8 film and later transferred to video. Watch the video, below (caution: graphic and offensive):
“My hope is that this will be an extraordinarily important way in which to bring the entire city together to celebrate American art during this last century,” Lehman said.
“This is New York City. This is a city that has thrived on the incredible contributions from the gay and lesbian community. This is a state that’s just passed a very progressive legalization of gay marriage.”
Catholic League President Bill Donohue said he wasn’t surprised that the exhibition was coming to the Brooklyn Museum, which he called notoriously anti-Catholic, but he said his group would not hold protests like it had in Washington.
The League has criticized the museum in the past for a painting by Chris Ofili called “The Holy Virgin Mary,” a work that also angered then-Mayor Rudy Giuliani.
Giuliani in 1999 tried to cut public funding from the Brooklyn Museum of Art after it featured the work,” which depicts Mary with African features and includes a shellacked clump of elephant dung and magazine cutouts of female genitalia.
After the controversy at the Portrait Gallery, the Smithsonian Institution’s governing board called for changes in how potentially objectionable exhibits are handled. The board said it must be prepared to handle museum disputes and guard freedom of curators in the face of political pressure from Congress or other groups.
Lehman said the only protests his museum received was when it first announced plans for the exhibition earlier this year. A Catholic lay group in Pennsylvania, The American Society for the Defense of Tradition, Family and Property, sent several thousand “pre-programmed” emails to the museum, he said.
“Hide/Seek” runs at the Brooklyn Museum through Feb. 12. Other contributing artists are Andy Warhol, Jasper Johns, Thomas Eakins and Annie Leibovitz. It will then travel to the Tacoma Art Museum in Washington state.
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Comments (142)
NHwinter
Posted on November 9, 2011 at 3:15pmHow would they feel if Christians did art work showing God with lightening coming from his hands down to them? Would they protest that?
Report Post »darkstarskater88
Posted on November 10, 2011 at 12:45pmExactly! Amen !
Report Post »Black Manta
Posted on November 9, 2011 at 3:15pmI had to stop the video…DESPICABLE demonic humans….these same people that mock now won‘t be laughing when they’re in hell with there father..SATAN…prey 4 the lost souls….
Report Post »ChiefGeorge
Posted on November 9, 2011 at 3:24pmSo much for tolerance from this group. Any group who comes into power who claims such a tragic victimhood status will make you the victims in the end. Everything is pointing towards a real upheaval of our society through politcial and demographics. Wakee Wakee America. You’ve been sold out while trumpeting rights for everyone else in this great land. We got sold out for sure and it will get worse.
Report Post »mend54jc
Posted on November 9, 2011 at 3:28pmSo did i, i didn’t get through 30 seconds of this sick work of satan.
Report Post »Kaoscontrol
Posted on November 9, 2011 at 3:15pm“a gay-themed art exhibit”??
Report Post »Aren’t most urban based contemporary art exhibits (and seemingly, theatrical stage productions as well) gay themed? Why is this one any different?
sissykatz
Posted on November 9, 2011 at 3:03pmI think it is disgusting. Although I do hope no one objects and gives
Report Post »it publicity. That is usually why they do these things just sensationalism.
Maybe no one will go see it. The more we gripe the more people will
go. They know it is not art also. Pathetic.
Echelon
Posted on November 9, 2011 at 3:02pmThis is what gives the GLBT community a very bad name; but as usual, they don’t get it. I’m in favor of exterminating them all….. get your AK’s ready people – let’s go on a *** hunt!
Report Post »dontbotherme
Posted on November 9, 2011 at 4:00pmechelon: Whatever. We don’t kill people here. You are on the wrong site & the wrong side.
Report Post »Impeach Blobama
Posted on November 9, 2011 at 4:02pmOh I think they get it–I think they methodically pick what will be the most offensive and make sure it’s IN YOUR FACE to piss off as many people as possible. These “tolerant” malcontents THRIVE on it.
They want to act this way fine–they’ve made their choice. And I’ll make mine by being equally “tolerant” of their SICK CHOICES. Yes, what they do IS a CHOICE. Of course they want to liken their “cause” to Race etc like they have no control over it. They have no control just like a fat ass who eats too many cheeseburgers like Michael Moore ;) Interesting how we’re supposed to feel “sorry” for Gays but not for fat people–BOTH ARE CHOICES….
Report Post »Walkabout
Posted on November 10, 2011 at 2:30pmdontbotherme
” echelon: Whatever. We don’t kill people here. You are on the wrong site & the wrong side.”
TRUE. We actually try to save them. but after saving them a couple of times & they persist we get a divorce. If they perish, nothing we could have done.
Report Post »elosogrande
Posted on November 9, 2011 at 2:54pmAnts crawling on a Crusifix is art only to “artists” who rely on what they like to call “Edgy” art, because they have no talent. Not any different from phony musicians and vocalists who are unable to write or arrange music, and can’t hold a note without warbling. (Mariah Cary comes to mind.)
These so called artists deliver crap that, in a short period of time, will end up in the trash. They rely on National endowment for the arts to live, because no one is ever going to pay good money for what they pull out of their fannies.
As far as musical artist go, fifty years from now, people will still be listening to Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Billy Ekstein, Glen Miller, etc., and most of todays “stars” will be long forgotten. For the most part, we live in a talent free world today.
Report Post »ares338
Posted on November 9, 2011 at 2:53pmDon’t support it, look at it or talk about it. They rely on shock value to continue. Just don’t b shocked. They are a lot of more dangerous things to worry about such as Obama!
Report Post »schultes
Posted on November 9, 2011 at 2:52pmThere’s a leak! Who told them it was summer?
Report Post »UlyssesP
Posted on November 9, 2011 at 2:51pmThat “virgin mary” painting stinks.
Report Post »db321
Posted on November 9, 2011 at 2:48pmWhat would you expect when Obama’s Stimulus gave the Arts Billions. This is just the begining – you have to hand it to Obama – he has used his Presidency to distroy America from within. More amazing is the amount of people in America that still support and ouze over this foney and chief.
What does it profit a man to gain the World but loss his soul?
Report Post »capecodsully
Posted on November 9, 2011 at 2:48pmIt wouldn‘t be a true celebration of homosexuality in America if it didn’t trash Jesus Christ. The whole political point of “gay rights” is the removal of religious freedom of Christians in America. They are being true to themselves and showing America what they are all about.
They have more honesty and courage than Barak Obama, he wont come out and say how much he hates America and everything we stand for because he is a coward.
Report Post »sapper
Posted on November 9, 2011 at 2:46pmcan‘t watch the video from here so I’m assuming there is more to it than ants and a crucifix. Artist died of AIDS? More proof that stupidity is a self correcting problem.
Report Post »progressiveslayer
Posted on November 9, 2011 at 2:42pmThese people that create this filth are sick twisted cowards.
Report Post »thegreatcarnac
Posted on November 9, 2011 at 2:40pmSickening! Why is it that everytime a pervert makes a film it is anti-Christian and anti-Christ. They could just as well attacking another religion. Yet they always attack Christianity.This shows you how demonic these people have become.
Report Post »Eliasim
Posted on November 9, 2011 at 2:49pmWhat do you mean sickening? You have eyes to look and yet you do not see. Look, with your other eyes. The gays think they are ridiculing God, and yet they are doing the work of the Lord and know it not as they compare people to ants. You say you know scripture and yet you do not know scripture with you read them with your eyes but not your eyes. The crucifix is “Jesus cross.” Or crossing. Mary, Martha’s sister, that Mary who [washed Jesus feet with her hair]. Mary was unto ants crawling on Jesus’ cross. Mary was Jesus’ shoes! Don’t tell me you know the scriptures because you do not know the scriptures.
Report Post »Eliasim
Posted on November 9, 2011 at 2:55pmAnd you do not see because you do not want to understand how the light is divided, because you are possessed by demons.
Report Post »Eliasim
Posted on November 9, 2011 at 2:57pmMary was as much Jesus‘ shoes as much and more than the Hebrews became Moses’ shoes after Moses took off his other shoes and put those people on a donkey.
Report Post »ICanComment
Posted on November 9, 2011 at 3:07pm@ELIASIM
Huh? The light is not divided. A house divided against itself cannot stand. If, by “light,” you mean Godhead, then the light is Triune, but certainly divided. Mary, who wept at Jesus’ feet, cannot readily be compared to ants or shoes. Yeah, I have eyes to see, and they’re not my own. You can‘t just wildly interpret anything you want and make stuff up out of scriptures and claim it’s truth.
I don‘t know which scriptures you’re reading, but it‘s certainly a paraphrased version with which I’m not familiar. I‘m no expert and I’m not trying to lord it over you, but I’ve read my Bible several times in its entirety. If someone says something untrue about the Bible, I have a moral obligation to call them out on it.
Report Post »Eliasim
Posted on November 9, 2011 at 3:12pmICanComment,
Report Post »There were many Marys in Mary, quite a lot to be exact. Go away you, the word for you is Lukewarm.
ICanComment
Posted on November 9, 2011 at 3:12pmCorrection: I meant, “Certainly NOT divided.”
Report Post »NHwinter
Posted on November 9, 2011 at 3:32pmEliasim – Satan is a master at confusing people’s minds. Your writings are so confusing that it makes me wonder who is influencing your mind. Comparing Mary to Jesus’ shoes makes me almost speechless. She was honoring Him with expensive oils and her tears to cleanse his feet from the dust. Jesus also showed his apostles how to humbly serve by washing their feet. No one would ever say Jesus was the apostles’ shoes. Strange.
Report Post »mend54jc
Posted on November 9, 2011 at 3:40pm@ICanComment
Well said and eliasim if you haven‘t noticed perverts the bible and he often does it with the bible to come up with his own idea’s. Glad you said something because that was clearly misinterpreted. But if you look at any of the faith issues on here. You will find Eliasim doing the same thing over and over
Report Post »KAdams
Posted on November 9, 2011 at 4:49pmIn any event, the crucifix, pictures of Christ, et al, are forms of idolatry. Football is idolatry.
Vengeance is mine, saith the Lord. Put all your cares on Jesus. He came not to bring peace, but a sword. Arm yourselves with the armor of the Lord: the shield of faith, the helm of salvation and the sword of the spirit.
Report Post »NHwinter
Posted on November 9, 2011 at 5:36pmKadams – Do you consider carrying pictures of your wife, husband, parents, children Idolatry? Christian symbols are reminders of Our Lord just as pictures of family are reminders of those we love. A golden calf that is worshiped is idolatry. I don’t think people worship the cross, but worship Jesus who died for us. An Idol according to the dictionary is the worship of a diety other than God. I see no idolatry in having a picture of Jesus or wearing a cross.
Report Post »schmite123oh
Posted on November 10, 2011 at 3:15pm@anyone responding to eliasim Why bother? clearly he/she is not interested in a proper discussion. Give not that which is holy unto the dogs comes to mind. matthew chapter 7 for those looking to reference. this verse comes to mind as well from proverbs.
Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.
May the lord bless his elect and rebuke the wicked!
Report Post »tweetybird
Posted on November 9, 2011 at 2:40pmThis video is completely DISGUSTING!!! This is straight from the devil. This is called art? This looks more like a satanic ritual.
Report Post »alrunner58
Posted on November 9, 2011 at 2:38pmIt’s a wonder the gays have such a problem with acceptance.
Report Post »MotoMofo
Posted on November 9, 2011 at 2:38pmNever no Muslim art? Cowards.
Report Post »KickinBack
Posted on November 9, 2011 at 2:37pmWhat a sick video. That was art? So the artist died of aids. He was after all (as stated in the sick video) unclean.
Report Post »Robert-CA
Posted on November 9, 2011 at 2:36pmGOD help us .
Report Post »11:11
Posted on November 9, 2011 at 2:35pmwell if that‘s art than it’s definately who you know and not what you know, probably george soros funded
Report Post »Vechorik
Posted on November 9, 2011 at 2:45pmThis is sad all around — sad the gays feel so condemmed by Christianity that they resort to this type thing. Many gays have found peace with their sinfulness within religion. Wish more Christians could find the same.
Here’s a video illustration my point. A Christian telling gays “We’re supposed to judge.“ Calling gays ”freaks” etc.
Report Post »http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oap3J6XRxTk
schmite123oh
Posted on November 10, 2011 at 3:22pm@vech Woe to those who call evil good and good evil. Only one condemns and judges. The Accuser.
As far as the form of tolerance/politically correctness in the church, you may be implying, may i suggest 2 timothy chapter 3 as reference?
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
Sin is Sin, we all have sinned but those who profess their love in God do not try to conceal their sin, let alone justify it, (homosexuality) as pleasant in the sight of the lord, God Forbid! I abhor my old sinful life, and anyone not willing to repent from their old sins needs to reflect on which master they are serving.
Report Post »Chappy123
Posted on November 9, 2011 at 2:33pmThis disgusting filth needs to be REMOVED from THE BLAZE!
Report Post »truckinwife
Posted on November 9, 2011 at 3:54pmI second this thought… remove this trash, as even having the video on here is giving this junk attention!
Report Post »lukerw
Posted on November 9, 2011 at 2:29pmOf course… no Tax Payer funds… go toward this Garbage!
Report Post »Gonzo
Posted on November 9, 2011 at 2:27pmThey have a very loose definition of art.
Report Post »000degrees
Posted on November 9, 2011 at 2:33pmIt’s not art….
Report Post »TH30PH1LUS
Posted on November 9, 2011 at 2:26pmBLAZE you really need to edit this filthy video which shows masterbation. Disgusting and satanic material.
Report Post »11:11
Posted on November 9, 2011 at 2:33pmdidn’t watch the video, is it like exorcist masterbation? very creepy
Report Post »kanner1
Posted on November 10, 2011 at 8:39amthank you!
Report Post »Joshua7
Posted on November 10, 2011 at 12:47pmUm, erm, Blaze staffers, “caution: graphic and offensive” doesn’t quite capture everything that is in that video. I would add ‘sexualy suggestive’ or something else like that to the line becuase I wasn’t expectiing what I saw. >_>
Report Post »Stoic one
Posted on November 9, 2011 at 2:23pmJust imagine if it was Mohammed depicted….the ‘artist’ would already be off to the afterlife; because after all it is the religion of peace.
Report Post »InversionTheory
Posted on November 9, 2011 at 2:30pmIndeed. I think Art Deco was the last art moment I really liked. At some point in the last century, art stopped being uplifting of the human spirit and had to become about dragging everything through the muck. It’s depressing.
Report Post »wzanesdad
Posted on November 9, 2011 at 3:27pmyes, and when it started becoming disgusting is when the government started supporting it. All we can do is pray for these poor souls. Thet have no idea what is in store for them. The bible says that faith is a gift. Some people never received this gift. That is why it is so hard to convince them of the truth. They will fall for anything that satan offers. Just shows we have a lot more work to do in very little time.
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