England: Renowned artists Gilbert and George's new exhibition has upset one or two philistines, even though it hasn't opened yet. The exhibition uses imagery from a range of religious traditions, both formal and popular.
Even before going on display today at London's White Cube gallery, the 21 new artworks - collectively titled Sonofagod Pictures: Was Jesus Heterosexual? - have aroused the fury of the Tory MP Ann Widdecombe, who has called themblasphemous in the extreme, as [Gilbert and George] will find out when finally they stand before the Son of God
In contrast, some religious people are more appreciative:
But the Bishop of Stepney, according to George, has beenvery polite and very nice, and requested a studio visit.
The artists told The Guardian that the work was inoffensive compared to Christianity itself:
Gilbert:Artists arouse MP's fury—The Guardian, 20th January 2005.Christians are abusive to humans - to women, to queers. They threaten us with hell.George:That's offensive, not us.
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