This June 2008 cover of Rogue Magazine has been met with flak, mostly by historians and the nationalistic lot. Ironic, as this particular issue is an Independence Day edit, celebrating Philippine Independence on June 12th. I can’t blame them really. Supposedly, there is a prohibition to use the flag as clothing, as stipulated in Section 34.e and 34.g of R.A. 8491, the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines.
But the magazine, to my knowledge, maintains that it’s not THE FLAG as clothing per se, it’s body paint. An ill-advised statement, in my opinion. Because the code includes “print, paint or attach representation of the flag on… articles of merchandise.” In this instance, Joey Mead the model, being the merchandise. And the magazine, of course.
But if this is the case, how much have we missed reprimanding athletes, politicians, artists, businesses…what have you?… all of whom have used the flag in either clothing, infomercials/campaign ads, stage props, logos, etc., such as on this advertisement noticed by fellow blogger Gerry. I believe this only got the attention and the ire of many because of the shock value of the presentation: A naked Joey Mead, not so effectively covered by the tri-color and sun and stars. She appears similarly clad in a few pages of the magazine, too. Quite unfortunate really, because the rest of us don’t give a damn.
Other questions come to mind: with art, where do we draw the line between the acceptable and the disrespectful? Do artists even have to care?
8 Comments
June 23, 2008 at 4:24 pm
oo nga… basta lang matawag na “art” kahit na ooveruse na pala natin ang pagiging malikhain… at ginagawa na lang nilang excuse yung art na yun para maipagtanggol nila ang kanilang mga sarili…
naooveruse na rin ang ating flag… na parang hindi na flag ang tingin ng ibang nation dun.. tsktsk..
June 24, 2008 at 2:59 am
Article/photo on “Irreverent Art”: This type of art has been around for decades, and is acceptable with mainstream artists, patrons, and generally the public. Very few people oppose this type or art; however, with the exception of when or where it is presented. Art in all forms should be encouraged. Keep up the good work!!!
Monty Ousley Weddell, Thee Art Gallery at weddellart.com in Dallas, TX, USA
June 24, 2008 at 3:14 pm
i posted this same entry in my Multiply blog, and the responses there, as well as the preceding responses on here, incites me to say what i think of art.
for me, art is a very personal expression of and by the artist. it may turn out awesome and beautiful to some, while grotesque and ugly to others. it can be liberating, it may also be offensive… depending on who is viewing. we, bloggers, demand for freedom of speech as much as mainstream media, so do artists who must remain inspired and not feel stifled.
June 25, 2008 at 7:26 am
Disrespectful or not, I still love the picture. LOL!
it is lovely! and very clever too. personally i don’t find it offensive, and i believe the magazine meant well.
welcome back, Ting!
June 26, 2008 at 12:49 pm
yan yung magazin na pinapapullout sa mga bookstore, putik naman e, di naman pwede yung ganyang cover ng mag kasi e, look, pag umaawit tayo ng pambansang awit, yung kamay natin nasa dibdib at nakatingala sa watawat natin. tapos ganyan lang
June 29, 2008 at 12:48 am
pootah! ambastos nila ah!
June 29, 2008 at 12:52 am
mukhang syang bruha sa 101 dalmatian! hahahah
ahihihi… sobra ka! it’s the hair, right?
June 29, 2008 at 3:24 am
it is euro 2008 here in germany, lahat na yata ng pwede nilang kulayan ng black, red and gold e kinulayan na nila dito – lahat ng pwedeng paglagyan ng flag nila e pinagsabitan na nila: kotse, bintana, pintuan, kahit na nga pwet! very creative nga yung iba e, di ba may mga wigs pa? hindi kasi maarte dito hindi katulad sa pinas na may pagka old fashioned pa ang kanilang loyalty sa flag!
sapul!