A lot of people are unhappy with Pura Luka Vega.
That he is not too keen on apologizing to those offended with his “Ama Namin” drag performance, seemingly adds to the scorn.
But Pura Luka, real name Amadeus Fernando Pagente, insists it was “art.”
He even challenged detractors on social media, telling them: “Tell me EXACTLY what I did wrong. I’m open for a dialogue…”
“…cities have been declaring persona non grata without even knowing me or understanding the intent of the performance,” he added.
“Drag is art. You judge me yet you don’t even know me.”
This prompted a reply from Tempo columnist Kim Atienza.
“Hi Luka. We haven’t met yet but I wish you well,” he said. “I sincerely hope you develop the empathy to know how deeply offensive your ‘art’ is to majority of Filipinos.”
Kim maintained, “This has nothing to do with drag or gender but how you disrespected Jesus and His prayer we so revere.”
No, Kim is not joining hordes eager to crucify the drag queen.
Sharing a screenshot of his comment on Facebook, he captioned the post: “As Christians, we are to hate the sin but love the sinner. We are all sinners and fall short of His glory.”
Pura is yet to comment as of writing.
So far, he has been declared persona non grata in Manila, Bukidnon, General Santos City, Floridablanca in Pampanga and Toboso in Negros Occidental.
Of course, Pura Luka is not the first to offend the Christian majority with their “art.”
Not long ago, little known artist Mideo Cruz became an overnight sensation with moralists loudly objecting to his controversial installation titled “Poleteismo,” which featured images of Jesus Christ as juxtaposed with symbols of pop culture, as with a huge phallus.
Should we eventually do away with artistic efforts that offend?
American writer Joyce Carol Oates was once quoted as saying “art should not be comforting; for comfort, we have mass entertainment and one another. Art should provoke, disturb, arouse our emotions, expand our sympathies in directions we may not anticipate and may not even wish.”
What do you think?
