Mideo Cruz’s statement on his absence from Senate hearing today
I did not attend the hearing because I understand that this is no longer about my work but an issue of art education and the broader fight for freedom of expression. For this reason, I abide with the decisions of a broad alliance that I am closely working with, in advancing these cause instead of feeding my self-serving impulse to defend my work or my person to each querry, insult or threat being hurled at me. After all, the purpose of my artworks have always been to instill critical thought more than in selling my name.Again, I apologize if I have offended anyone. My artworks are to me, like a carpenter to his hammer, my tools to reexamine our public morals and ideals. In the end, I assume that my audience would exercise their logical decision-making to reject or accept the message or to sway them towards improving society.I apologize if I hold a contrary view to others but I honestly believe that providing a space for a different voice is necessary for mature society.
It is my hope that my fellow artists and other public messengers be not intimidated and suffer the same fate that I have to undergo by merely presenting a parallel view through his or her artworks.
I am very grateful to the overwhelming support that the cause for freedom of expression is receiving from Catholics and non-Catholics and whether they are artists or not. I did not expect the hatred expressed against my person in as much as the many individuals and instittuions that have spoken not so much in my defense , but in the defense of our civil rights.
–
Mideo M Cruz
Philippines