- Title: CHILE: Outrage in Chile at busty Virgin Mary models
- Date: 17th January 2009
- Summary: SANTIAGO, CHILE (JANUARY 15, 2009) (REUTERS TV) PRESS CONFERENCE HELD BY CRISTIAN CONTRERAS, ASSISTANT BISHOP OF SANTIAGO (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) CRISTIAN CONTRERAS, ASSISTANT BISHOP OF SANTIAGO SAYING: "Beneath an arguable presentation of artistic expression is an ambiguous understanding of the freedom of expression, a lack of respect for the reverence millions of Chileans
- Embargoed: 1st February 2009 12:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Chile
- Country: Chile
- Topics: Fashion,Religion
- Reuters ID: LVA3DJEIKRAIWD9MTLZ2BL7RPB9X
- Story Text: Fashion show in Chile sparks spat with the Catholic Church.
Defying protests from the Catholic church in Chile, and legal attempts to stop it, a prominent fashion designer went ahead with his controversial show Friday (January 16) - dressing up models like the Virgin Mary -- in some cases with ample, near-naked breasts.
The Roman Catholic Church condemned Ricardo Oyarzun's plans for a show featuring the models, and a conservative group tried unsuccessfully to block it in court:
"I feel happy and happy as well to have had the support of the justice that backed me against the censure of an expression of art, not just mine, but for all Chilean artists," said Oyarzun.
In addition to busty models dressed like the Virgin Mary, the show also featured transvestites.
In the days leading up to the event, Oyarzun says he received telephone threats and had excrement smeared on his doorstep from people offended by his show.
On the other side of the issue, supporters of the fashion show say they were offended by the court proceedings initiated by the church:
"The priests that went to the courts shouldn't have gone, they should have stayed in their parishes and lectured to the people that need it," said one participant.
Oyarzun defends his work, saying there is nothing pornographic about it. He said his designs, which include halos, look as though they come from a nativity scene and include religious icons, were inspired by the Virgin Mary but not intended to represent her.
Chile's Catholic church said his concept of artistic expression was offensive.
"Beneath an arguable presentation of artistic expression is an ambiguous understanding of the freedom of expression, a lack of respect for the reverence millions of Chileans have for the virgin. It is a threat against the basic human right with respect to religion, protected by the state."
While Oyarzun and his supporters see the actions as the church as a form of censorship, the church says it has nothing to do with censorship, and it is merely protecting the rights of people deeply offended by the fashion show:
"Our function isn't to censure, it is to illuminate the beliefs of people with good intentions, and the opinion of the public that an event like this offends religious values and people who worship and love the virgin."
While only a frivolous fashion show or a form of artistic expression to some, some Catholics said the show should not have gone ahead.
"Obviously the situation does not make us happy, but we fought for a cause, I believe can substantially advance the protection of religion and honor of people," said lawyer Alvaro Ferrer.
The show is more evidence that Chile, heavily influenced by the church for decades, is shaking off its reputation as one of the most socially conservative countries in Latin America. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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