"Eggs Benedict" is on display here in MKE and drawing much controversy

[PeaceNikki]

Art museum embrace of condom portrait of pope draws disgust



The decision by the Milwaukee Art Museum to acquire and prominently display a controversial portrait of Pope Benedict XVI fashioned from 17,000 colored condoms has created outrage among Catholics and others who see it as profoundly disrespectful, even blasphemous.

Many suggest that if a piece were as offensive to other faith traditions or communities it would not be tolerated, much less embraced.

Milwaukee Archbishop Jerome Listecki blasted the decision as insulting and callous. The museum acknowledged it has fielded about 200 complaints. A handful of patrons dropped their memberships; one longtime docent tendered her resignation; and at least one donor vowed never to support the museum financially again.

Museum officials said an equal number of people have voiced support for the piece and that memberships and pledges in general are growing. They said they regret that the portrait, by Shorewood artist Niki Johnson, has elicited such enmity. But they insist it was not their intent — nor the intent of the artist — to offend Catholics or anyone else. And they said they continue to enjoy the support of people of all faiths, including Catholics.

Lol, I'll be visiting MAM this summer for sure. Maybe this weekend. They're asking patrons to leave notes on posi-its which will become part of the permanent display.

Here's a link to an interesting article about the history of the piece: http://m.jsonline.com/entertainment/arts/319594051.html

[Curmudgeoness]

1. That is awesome.

The irony is not lost. I can hear heads exploding from here.

[trotsky]

2. "...even blasphemous"!!!

To which I say... "So the fuck what?"

Well then again, Wonderpope Frank said it's "normal" to be violent someone offends your religious beliefs, so watch out!

[onager]

3. Coming soon - the Pope Francis artwork

Made out of multi-colored marshmallows.

[AlbertCat]

4. Made out of multi-colored marshmallows.

melting into goo....


It is supremely irresponsible for an organization with such power to not promote condom use and all forms safe sex and safe birth control.

Love Latex Benedict!

[PeaceNikki]

5. Lol, marshmallow fluff, indeed.

[progressoid]

6. Aw, they're offended.

So are we. By Pope Benny and his backwards stance on birth control.

[RussBLib]

7. this is one of the few brights spots in Christianity

they got over being offended by artists and quit burning people at the stake for blasphemy (by and large)