I've never been a fan of Piss Christ.

Andres Serrano said he was making a statement about the misuse of religion when, in 1987, he submerged a crucifix in a a glass of his own urine and he photographed it.

I didn't think it was offensive to God. I thought it was offensive to art. Art is a form of communication - and this statement was lacking in any finesse whatsoever. You're not supposed to bash the viewer over the head; you're supposed to lead him someplace he wasn't expecting to go.

You may well have missed the news. That photo was on display, as well as another of a meditating nun, also by Serrano. After weeks of protests by Roman Catholic fundamentalists in the French town of Avignon, one of them slashed the two photographs on Palm Sunday.

And that, I suggest, is performance art. The demonstrators have said more about the misuse of religion in today's world than Serrano could. It doesn't quite rank up there with the assassination of Dr. George Tiller, but I'll give it an 88, Dick, it has a beat, you can dance to it.

God, please save us from those who claim to be your followers. Or perhaps it's time for the Second Coming. No need to smite all those dicks. Just sue their asses off for defamation, in calling themselves Christians, or Muslims, or whatever name they invoke as a codeword that says they are speshul and are thus justified to perform atrocities.

After all, everyone should know that is reserved for me.

Other Bloggers On Related Topics:
Andres Serrano - Avignon - fundamentalists - Palm Sunday - performance art - Piss Christ - Roman Catholic - urine