Brackers protest ‘devil’ art
(CNS): A rotting goat’s head nailed to a cross on top of a heap of garbage and old bones may be art to its creator but to a group of Cayman Brac residents it is simply offensive. Local businessman Elvis McKeever, who organised a peaceful protest at the location of the controversial sculpture on the south side of the island Wednesday lunchtime, said it looked like devil worship or the practice of Obeah, “like something you would see in Haiti”. It was built by the artist known as Foots, who also created the underwater sculpture “The Lost City of Atlantis”, which lies off the north coast. But his latest creation, which includesa fake gravestone with three 6’s engraved on a bloody cross, has stirred deep resentment in the small, largely Christian community.
The goat’s head and cross had been removed before the protest but the 30 or so Brac residents who turned up to demonstrate their objection to Foots’ artwork wanted officials to make sure they were not put back up.
But in any case, they said, the rest of Foots’ handiwork was also offensive and would depreciate the value of surrounding properties, as well as being a health hazard, and they want the whole thing removed.
McKeever said that when he first started talking publicly about his objections to the sculpture, Foots took down the decaying goat’s head and the cross for about two weeks, but on Palm Sunday he put it up again. He said that Foots had removed them again last night. “He thought that that was going to stop us from doing the protest and then in a week’s time he will have it up there again,” he said.
Under Cayman Islands law anything above four feet is supposed to have planning approval, noted McKeever, who owns a construction company. “I want planning to show me the approval,” he said. Claiming Foots had about 15 old toilets on the property behind the sculpture, McKeever, who owns adjacent land, said he wants the politicians and the Department of Environmental Health and the district commissioner to do something about it.
McKeever also noted that the land it is built on, which is 32 feet wide stretching to the Bluff, is part of an LPP (Land for Public Purpose). “You're not allowed it to build on it,” he said.
“And where are the church people and why are they allowing this in the country?” he asked, noting that House Speaker and Brac MLA Juliana O’Connor-Connolly had been invited to join them. “The practice of Obeah, which is a religion, is illegal in the Cayman Islands. I know that for sure because I know people who have got arrested for practising Obeah,” McKeever said, although there is no evidence that Foots is actually a devotee of any religion.
Scattered around the mound of dirt and bones, with what looks like a small skull, are rocks with engraved messages of peace and snippets of John Lennon lyrics. “Love is the answer” it says next to the “The Apocalypse Now Revelation” gravestone. However, McKeever remained adamant that the structure was morally wrong and that was why so many had turned out for the protest.
“I don't know who I'm more annoyed at – Foots for building it or the government for not doing anything about it,” said Dalkeith Ebanks, one of Wednesday’s protestors.
Bridgette Manville, who lives nearby, said, “Mr Foots has been displaying unacceptable so-called art in my neighbourhood.” It started, she said, with a display of plants inside the toilet bowls but after she complained about it to District Commissioner Ernie Scott, this was removed.
“Next it was the car with the head through in the windscreen with blood and everything else. Before I could get to complain, that was moved. Then he came back with the coffin and the head again on top of it. I looked at it and thought, ‘Leave him be.’ But then the most disturbing and upsetting display he had was the cross with a dead goat’s head on top of it like it was crucified on the cross with a 666. And that I found that very offensive and I felt like he was trying to insult the people of Cayman Brac.”
The protesters had police permission for the demonstration, and Chief Inspector FrankOwens and another officer were there keeping the peace and stopping anyone from going onto Foots’ land – at least until his estranged wife and co-owner of the land, Elsie Keynes, arrived to join the protest and said it was okay.
Owens confirmed that the police had received several complaints about the sculpture. These had been passed onto the legal department to see if any laws had been broken, he said.
Category: Local News
If you own a construction company in the Cayman Islands, know the law. According to Planning, the law is anything in construction over 42 inches requires planning permission. That is the law. Six inches does make the difference according to the law.
After reading this story and actually seeing the property where Foots is creating his work, the third paragraph in this story states "The rest of Foots handiwork was also offensive" and they want the whole thing removed. I couldn't help but notice one of Foots "handiwork" was a piece of rock with the words carved "Great men have Great dreams". To the left of that rock was a rock that said "Dr. Martin Luther King". To the right of that rock was a rock carved "Nelson Mandella". In the middle of the three rocks was one carved with the statement "They are love." These 2 men changed the world for the better. How can anyone say this is offensive? And why should it be removed?
After reading these comments, I just have to includethis. It’s the definition of the most important word of all, straight out of Webster’s Dictionary. It’s such an important word; Webster’s had to give it nine different sections. Here they are:
FREEDOM:
1. The state or quality of being free. 2. Exemption or liberation from the control of some other person or some arbitrary power; liberty. 3. Exemption from arbitrary restrictions on a specified civil right, political liberty: as, freedom of speech. 4. Exemption or immunity from a specified obligation, discomfort, etc., as freedom from want. 5. A being able to act, move, use, etc. without hindrance. 6. Ease of movement or performance; facility. 7. A being free from the usual rules, conventions, etc. 8. Frankness; straightforwardness. 9. An excessive frankness or familiarity.
Reading this definition, it would certainly seem that an artist on Cayman Brac doesn’t possess this freedom. This freedom is so important, it is also clearly stated in the Cayman Islands constitution, Part I Section 11-(1) “No person shall be hindered by government in the enjoyment of his or her freedom of expression, which includes freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart ideas…without interference.”
I believe it’s time for everyone to understand the definition of this important word. It’s the very basis of all our lives. No matter who we are, or what we believe.
Thank you all.
Foots
All I have to say to the person/people who stole the artwork is "That's very Christian of you". Unbelievable….seriously
I dont think the christians stole the goat head. If something offends you, remove it.
The majority of Brackers are coming from a Christian community, why now are so many of you (by the amount of thumbs supporting foots) trying to chane this?
I have been on this earth 62 years and i have never seen so much destruction of the human race due to the disregard for our savior. Do you think that all this world wide atrosity just happen to be a phenomenon?
USA took the Bible and prayer out of their schools. Now we got young children taking in guns and massacre others.
Soldiers taking their rifles and turning on their ownbrothers.
These same government passing laws for man to marry man. it's up to you guys to follow these sinful deeds.
The people of the Brac lived their peaceful lives in fear of their God all these hundred of years…leave them be.
Stop persecuting them, the wrath of God might just hit the Brac like it is happening world wide. Please read the WORLD NEWS whenever you get a chance.
I have known Foots for over 33 years. I have done business with him and have always known him to be an honest man. He is also one of the most kind person with humans and animals I have ever met. If someohe finds an injured bird or animal, in Cayman Brac, they bring it to him to care for and hopefully nurse back to health. He is also the most giving person I have ever met. If Foots has something you need, just ask him for it. I will bet he will give it to you and refuse monies that are offered.
As far as his artwork goes, some people don't like it, others do. Art is a form of expression that the artist is trying to show the world. Some people on Cayman Brac think that Foots' art is devil worship. Well it is anything but that. These people need to read and understand theirBible or ask the artist what is his interpretation of the art work. Many people thought that Michealangelo's works, includng the Pope didn't like the nudity. But I'm sure glad we have the sculptures of David and the Pieta, and the paintings of the Sistine Chapel. Now I'm not trying to compare Foots to Michealangeo, but just saying that not everybody will agree with the artist. Just like music, not everybody likes the same kind of music.
I would also go as far and say not one of these protesters has ask Foots what is he trying to say in his artwork. They are making assumations that it is the Devil's work, and we all know what assume will make out of you and me.
Bob Groh
Blessed are the meek.
If there were to inherit the earth they would never come forward and assert their rights.
After reading these comments, I think many of the Brackers have forgotten that Foots art often has a religious theme. He's a Catholic. Just because he doesn't attend church on the Brac, doesn't mean he still doesn't have strong beliefs.
Do any of you remember back in 2006 when he was invited to display his art at the Heritage House for one week? They called it Foots Week and then Foots Friday. This art had a very strong religious theme. There were no protests. Indeed, many people enjoyed the display. But now you protest this theme art that depicts something from the Book of Revelations. Why?
We have a home for satan. His home is Hell. This is embraced. I am more offended By hell then a art instillation. Maybe if Foots covered it up and made a gift shop and sold tickets it would be okay. See the hypocracy of your own ways.Dun be foo.
I'm absolutely loving the inflated sense of moral superiority being thrown around here. And I'm not talking just about the offended Christians, here.
Congrats, Foots. You've managed to let all segements of our society, regardless of origin or belief, prove how selfrighteous and hypocrtical we really are. As a young Caymanian, it's disheartening.
The last comment in this story confused me. “To see if any laws had been broken?” Wonder what the legal department will come up with. Perhaps it’s too “scary” for the children? It might give them nightmares and affect their lives in a bad way? Well, if that’s the case, the Cayman Island Government better get busy. It’s time to close down the little town of Hell on Grand Cayman. Take down that scary statue of the devil!
Prosecute the owner for scaring the children with his devil suit – all just to make a buck!
Even more important than this is to BAN Halloween in the Cayman Islands! Stop the stores from selling all that scary stuff, and definitely stop those haunted house gigs that really traumatize the kids! If the legal department finds some “law” that Foots has broken by displaying religious art depicting the fall of Satin (clearly explained in the very Bible most of them worship), then surely this same law should apply to Hell, Grand Cayman and the practice of Halloween?
If the artist is not christian why did he spray-paint “God bless the UDP” on the side of his construction project on Blossom Village Rd in Little Cayman? Now that unfinished, plywood “structure” is a real eyesore.
Just those words are an eyesore!
Easter is the time that Jesus saved a rabbit and the rabbit have him chocolate as thanks. It is a happy time. Let us eat chocolate and remember the rabbit.
No, the rabbit betrayed them all to the Romans and was rewarded with chocolate coins.
Do not follow the rabbit, follow the Easter chick.
I always get into trouble when I go after chicks.
THIS IS A COMMENT FROM FOOTS.
In reference to the story, I did not take the cross down with the goat head, which dictates the anti-Christ. It was stolen. Whoever took it, please bring it back. I need it for what I'm doing.
Thank you.
Foots
Foots.. If I could find you another goats head I would gladly give it to you. Maybe you can sculpture one from stone. Then cement it so it can’t be stolen. Its a thought.
There are some of us who totally understand what the message your art is portraying.
The book of Revelations is not for the narrow or weak minded. Its a shame to hear though some of these comments just how narrow and weak minded some people are. One would think the so-called Christians of the Cayman Islands would know and believe their complete Bible, including the book of Revelations. I think anyone who doesn’t understand your art should just come to you and ask what its about, instead of guessing.
I’ve seen all your beautiful art and admire you for who and what you stand for. Thanks for telling me what all your art means to you. It was an unforgettable grand experience looking up to the stars after the tour you took me though. See ya soon my friend.
Today I learned;
There’s a guy named McKeever, which I thought was slang for McKeeva. Lol!
You have it backwards. McKeever is an established name of Scottish origin. McKeeva is a made up name from the bushes of West Bay.
For pronounciation assistance, McKeeva rhymes with thieva.
WATCH OUT FOR ZOMBIES!!!
He was obviously not trying to be offensive, he used a goat's head and not the Easter bunny.
Everything is relative on the Brac.
And everyone!
Christians. Glad I am not one of them.
People with no respect for the core beliefs of the people they have chosen to live among. Glad I'm not one of them.
This is getting confusing..and I'm confused!
People who consider magic and fairy stories a firm foundation for a core belief system and who expect other people to respect their belief system that has no rational underpinning. Glad I am not one of them.
Everyon runs around "The beliefs of Caymanians need to be respected" or "When in rome!" blah blah blah. But what about the Caymanians that are atheist or non-religious? Should our core beliefs not be respected as well. Why don't we get some concessions, why do we have to be lorded over by the "oh-so-holy" Caymanians. Protesting an art piece, instead of fighting for important things! Like fighting poverty maybe? How does this artwork even affect your life? How does it affect your path? But I know how the response to this is gonna go. A bunch of thumbs down and a few comments of people spraying me with holy water.
To be an atheist? What?! To believe that morality is vested in your own hands … so anything goes! Sorry whether I am Christian or not, there is no way I can condone or respect that moral decisions made by the individual is always right. That is what atheist teach and why they are so much against Christianity, and the notion of one Supreme God, one wrong way and only one right way! To support the moral wrong that they do, they jump on this article as an opportunity to bash all Christians. Christianity attacks them, attacks their consciences from doing as they please. It would be nice to get rid of them they reason. An atheist molest a 14 year old girl because he sees nothing wrong in molesting a 14 year old girl. Then a man comes with a Bible and says thus says the Lord, the atheist is all of sudden troubled. Theman is in his way! He takes morality ABSOLUTE and that means the athiest must sacrifice his pleasure for the religious man? No way they reason! Yet they want the world to respect their view. With the atheist anything goes! They is no hope for them after death. Their views of the dignity of mankind is reduce to any rat that dies on the street. They deny we have a soul and love is usually base on "what you can do for me"! Finally they attack faith… but it takes as much faith to say there is No God than it does to say there is. The same way they claim Christian have no evidence and base faith on love, do the athiest have any evidence that there is No God, is this faith base on love???? I rest my case…. Blind and hopeless guides that think they know it all. And the ones that are promoting atheism are usually immoral, teach their children the same, and will never get my respects. Peace
Your ignorance amazes me beyond belief!
Firstly, atheist do not teach that moral decisions made by an individual is always right? Where are getting such ludcrious delusions from? An atheist merely believes that in order to accept something as fact there needs to be tangible scientific evidence to prove it. In regards to morals, the major atheistic view would be along the lines of "let everyone live their life as they please so long as it does impede the rights or well-being of another individual". So please kill that ignorant noise you're spilling,
Secondly, I find it so funny that you would use rape as an example of an atheist's lack of morals. I wonder how many pedophilles and rapists in Cayman were atheist versus how many of them darkened chruch doors many a Sunday morning. But more so is the fact that the Holy Bible seems to condone the rape of minors a lot more than I've heard any atheist do so.
Let's see, Numbers 31:17-18 “Now kill all the boys. And kill every woman who has slept with a man, but save for yourselves every girl who has never slept with a man."
"Don't agree with me? Ok I'll murder you all and rape your virgins" Yea, that sounds about right. I wonder how many 14 year old were raped after Moses made that decree.
Finally, as to your comment about an atheist's belief in no God is based on faith yes you're correct about that. It is a certain faith to it, no question about it. But if a religious person is not to have their faith questioned then why not an atheist as well? That's not pointed at Christians alone, Muslims as well or any other religious belief. Look, there's never going to be any proved answer to the question of God. But how do you get off to dictate how another person should live their life? If you want to be Christian fine do so, no one should wrong you for that. But to sit down and dictate thhe lives of others who want to live differently is downright wrong. You can point the finger as much as you want and look down your noses, but it's pure ignorance to think that you're so right when billions of people came before you and they all thought their religion was the true one and now those religions are but footnotes in history books. Sit there and think that your's is any different. Especially because some Europeans came a few hundred years ago and told you it was true.
Christians. Glad im not one of them.
Remember the the word that i said to you …if they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you…because they do not know Him who sent me.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake. For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for my sake. Rejoice and be exceedily glad, for great is your reward in heaven…
Our God is an awesome God!…leave us be!
My flying spaghetti monster is an awesome flying spaghetti monster. Leave me be.
PS It is "righteousness's sake". If you are going to get all righteous on us, please do it with the correct grammar.
Sorry, the poster is correct – the apostrophe follows the last s
This artwork would make a great channel marker for the proposed new
Dilbert/CIG sanctuary marina at the Alexander motel.
It’s all relative.
Ask Mr Foots to install his art on West Bay Rd or in Camana Bay + then see how the liberal voices speak.
Ask them to put a church in Caymana Bay, and see how little influence religion has when it comes to the mighty dollar.
The Church already has influenced there as the cinema does not show movies with strong pro-gay themes and with other topics of which the religious extremists disapprove.
And the cinema becomes a church on Sunday from 10.00a.m. – 11.30am. The International Assembly of God. CaYmana Bay has ti covered. Just wish we could get them to put the "Y" back into CaYman!!
Its probably more about targeting the biggest market for $$$, than about shunning the gays, but then again Jaimacans are infamous for being gay haters and we might aswell call Cayman little jamaica…welcome to Jamaicayman.
I think that all the shops being closed on Sunday, no dancing on the Sabbath and no gambling unless it is a church raffle makes your comment look stupid.
There is far too much influence by religion and people here are far too dependent on religion.
There are some seriously angry people who use these blogs to vent their anger at whatever story seems to catch their attention.
To those angry people Iwould simply ask, "Why are you so angry?" If you really believed in a risen Christ on Good Friday of Holy Week this man's art would be meaningless.
Rather you would simply feel love and perhaps compassion. Look within.
Are they angry or disturbed though?
Yes, like Jesus never got angry? Quit chanting and get out of the lotus position for five minutes, avert your eyes from your favourite yantra and get hold of a bible and study it, mate. Ever heard of "righteous indignation"? There are some things in life that demand our indignation, this inappropriate display being one of them. God gave us common sense, and it would be nice to see more of it being exercised, I reckon.
How humble of you to compare yourself to Jesus on Easter weekend.
There was more to Jesus than gettng angry which seems to be a message that escaped you in your bible study.
There is much hubris shown here.
And I don't care for this art but I m not ranting with self righteousness.
Where is the spiritual maturity on this issue.
"How humble to compare yourself to Jesus on Easter weekend"
Rather sarcastic, surely.
Indeed there was a lot more to Jesus' message than anger, but that doesn't negate his display of it in the right circumstances, or his example for us to emulate it, does it? Perhaps you are here to correct Jesus' message for us? My goodness. Such enlightenment.
Obviously you are well acquainted with sarcasm yourself.
It realy didn't require much enlightenment to detect the level of anger here.
Righteous indignation? You mean like doing what the bible says God ordered His people to do and drive their enemies out of the land by killing every man woman and child? Or shall we stone our rebellous children? Or perhaps we need to start cutting off hands? Maybe we need some good ol' stonings to bring us all together in sweet godly unity?
If I were an artist I would do a series of realistic depictions of biblical scenes. Here are some suggestions for some great biblical art that is totally "righteous" and far removed from the alleged "satanic stuff" Foots is being persecuted by the church for:
Unruly children being stoned, heads bashed and bloody, brains spilling from split skulls.
Dismembered hands and bloody stumps squirting crimson.
A woman grabbing her husband's opponent's "family jewels" and a scene showing her being held down, screaming while her hand is being severed from her body for her grabby crime.
A woman having sex with her father.
A circumscision.
An eye being gouged out.
A man being beheaded and his bloody severed head served on a silver platter.
The bible is full of cool stuff like this. But the accurate depiction of my art would probably upset a few Brackers, eh? Why? Who should get upset at a showing a little "righteous indignation" beingmeted out? Who would object to the depiction of holy stuff? God said it, I believe it, and that settles it. Right? So we should proudly display the magnificent glory of these bible stories. You would support my holy art, wouldn't you?
What is freedom of expression? Without the freedom to offend, it ceases to exist. I stand for freedom of expression, doing what you believe in, and going after your dreams. All religions that are oppressive, are also against democracy, human rights, and freedom of expression.
Two things form the bedrock of any open society – freedom of expression and rule of law. If you don’t have those things, you don’t have a free country. Foots has his right to express himself just as you have your right to express your disagreement. If foots rights of expression are taken away, then so shall the rights of disagreement. Man must be able to think freely and he must be able to express his thoughts freely! He who is against this is not only fascist and primitive but at the same time is a very great coward also! Only the brave and the honourable men are never afraid of freedom of thought and freedom of expression of ideas! Artists, by their free expressions, encourage others to be free. This is the quality that makes works of art enduring.
I think the artist has done what he intended. An artist creates art to evoke emotion and stimulate thought. This certainly has happened! No true artist would care one way or the other how many people liked his art or didn't, or even found it offensive. He's expressing his passion and his beliefs through the medium of his art. It's his right to do so, and we all have that right. I'm sure he had no intention to cause harm or insult the beliefs of the Brackers. He was depicting his interpretation of the Biblical book Revelations. Yes, it's gruesome. And many other types of art about the Bible have been just as gruesome, or more so. Did you see Mel Gibson's movie "The Passion of the Christ?" When this was released, there was a literal army of protestors! But it was a powerful movie with a powerful statement.
It's too easy to pass judgement on people without even going to the source and asking the artist what he's doing and what he's trying to say. If you took the time to approach it in this way, you may be surprised and enlightened. And possibly not even felt the need to protest!
sad day on the Brac!
While I will not comment on his latest artwork, I will tell you about the man known as Foot's! I feel very lucky to consider him a true friend! He is the type of individual that would gladly give you the shirt off his back and request nothing in return, always willing to help a person in need. With his creation of the Lost City of Atlantis, he has done more to attract tourism to this Island than the thirty or so protesters put together! Maybe these same protesters should march against the government, which is incapable of spurring the local economy!
We must accept God's love and mercy by a willingness to sin no more! I just hope that was Footes interpretation.
Easter is paganism which is the worship of a false god. Jesus taught his people to keep the Torah and the commandments of His father the creator. The thing the church calls the "last supper" was in fact a Passover meal that God comanded His people to keep in Exodus 12. He repeats Himself in Leviticus 23. These are the things Jesus (Yeshua) taught. But the church has thrown it all out worships foriegn gods of christmas and easter.
Oh…by the way…Passover was April 13th…you missed it!
You want to sin no more? I suggest reading from the front of the book!
Actually it was sundown on the 14th
Paasover. When a loving Christian God (yes it was the same God, since you harp on about bleedin' Genesis), committed mass race driven infanticide. God loves us. Loves us so much he slaughtered our first born.
This is getting good……
The issue had nothing to do with race. It had to do with punishing a cruel and obstinate pharaoh and his people for defying the true and living God. Bear that in mind.
Was the first word spelt to imitate a bleating sheep?
What you are missing is that while the Passover for Jews (in which Jews rid their homes of all yeast and sacrificed an unblemished lamb) commemorated the Israelites deliverance from Egypt it also prefigured and was prophetic of Christ as the sacrificial Lamb. Even as the blood of the lamb placed over the doors of the Israelites saved their firstborn from death so those who are washed in the blood of the Lamb of God are saved. Even as the Israelites rid their homes of yeast we must be rid of sin. Paul made this clear in 1 Cor. 5:7: "Get rid of the old yeast, so that you may be a new unleavened batch–as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed". Christ inaugurated a new covenant and Christians now celebate the Lord's Supper in remembrance of his sacrifice. For Christians the old covenant has faded away (2. Cor. 3:11). The Law had no power to deliver anyone from sin, but Jesus Christ has borne the sins of those who believe on, cling to and put their trust in him who are led by the Spirit, not by the flesh.
Post-Modern Art
The problem with post-modern art is that, above all else, most of the time, the post-modern "Artist" is seeking and craving attention. When all else fails, insult someone else's beliefs, show naked pictures, highlight taboos such as incest, cannibalism, etc. then call yourself an "Artist" because your pushing the boundaries and hide behind "free speech". Its a classic pattern that gets an "Artist" attention, "recognition", etc.
Grow up! Its been done! Be original! Push the boundaries by working on things that bring people together as opposedto causing division. Otherwise, its too easy, anyone can do something controversial and draw attention.
Yeah, let's tear down Foot's disgusting, obsene artwork and put up two planks of wood with an emaciated, bloody dead man nailed to it. Cuz that's beautiful.
Damien Hirst called. He wants his goat head back for a new piece………..
Wrong. It was Alister Crowley and Jimmy Page
Whoever it was, the goat is not happy about it.
The bible was written before our numeric system was developed. So 666 means nothing.
Another invention of religion to make you scared . . .
Don't be stupid, use your brain.
I don't think we should look at this as art. Art is the capability of doing something most of us can not.
And if the christians are so upset about this, then be consistent and close "hell" in Grand Cayman. But they don't, since money is their REAL god.
I hear the good Christian people of Cayman Brac are talking about this needs to be censored…etc…etc…(Yawn…puke)
Some say it lacks in taste, whatever that means. Lots of rabble rousing on the Brac these days. I guess Brackers have lots of time on their hands. No work there.
I don't see anything in Foot's sculpture that is not in the Bible.
Gee, people, you should be happy! I mean it's a good thing for all the Brac churchyites that Foots didn't do a scupture depicting 2 Kings 18:27 in the good ol' King James version. (Talk about lacking in "taste"!)
C'mon Mr. Foots! What do ya say? Ready to do it and really give 'em something to whine about? You could even put in a pump to make the…er…waterworks, look realistic. Yeah! It would be kinda like the Jerome Duquesnoy sculpture in Belgium. I think it's a great idea! (Awww! C'mon, Foots! Pleeeeeeze???)
I do wish expats who are allowed to settle here would have enough decency to show respect and deference towards the sentiments of their host people. All this rubbish about "free speech" within this context for goodness sake. Being offensive and insensitive towards those who have been gracious enough to provide you with a lovely place to live is simply being that. I would say to the artist "Stop abusing the concept of free speech and develop some respect for crying out loud..You know you are being offensive.
17.10 your words demonstrate a xenophobia and lack of respect of free speech. You want to control what is a gift from the Good Lord, the freedom to choose. It is he that will judge us in the end, not you or your church.
If freedom of speech is "rubbish", as you call it, then your constitution is rubbish because that is where it came from. Even though I am Caymanian, by blood not merely paper, I call it "your" constitution because I did not vote for it. It is a safe bet you and most of the so-called "Christian" protesters and other bitch and complainers probably did. Now look where it got ya. I laugh!
It was British territory last time I checked, so I don't see how locals "host" Brits.
Ummm…that would be because you have no rights here and need work permits etc, dumbass.
Well, I had to tell a 'Christian' a few days ago that the only message I amgetting from their religion is being in fear of not showing respect of the sunset to sunrise, oils and herbs rules so that made me feel I was being invited to a cult. If your religion puts emphasis on respecting the sun and worrying about the physical aspects of yoru being but you can commit adultery/fornication right after sunset, then I have a problem with that too.
Trust me with some of teh chanting I hear coming form so-called churches, talking about what curses will be placed on tehir employers etc, I am convinced there are many people practising obeah, especially since the majority of African-Jamaicans still seem to support it (recently there were calls to make it legal).
This is clearly an issue about freedom of religion and freedom of speech–two fundamental freedoms that each party to this matter is exercising. The religious folks will always bring up god and verses from the bible, whilst caymanians rely on the "return to where you came from". If everybody would address this matter sensibly and through reasoning, no one would be wasting their time on something this small. How about protesting about prosperity and our education? on a separate note, there is a clear double-standard about this religious thing. If you go quoting the bible because it means something to you, shouldnt any other religion or non-believers have a right to express their opinion as well? Okay here it is: Why should persons who believe in a god be in fear of him? doesnt this limit you to grow as a person and citizen? if god loves you why should you fear him, or fear the fact that you can go to hell if you dont? I dont believe that if someone loves you, as many go saying, then why threaten the people who cherish you and speak good of you? if this god is real then i want him to explain why we have hospitals and people born sick with terminal illnesses, if he has the power to cure? –the point is, only believe what is real to you, what matter to you, and what you can see with your own eyes, and what can be proven with facts. You dont have to believe in anyting to be a good person and individual to society.Love yourself and love others.
You have the right to believe in your religion. But not to expect everyone else to believe in your religion.
For you to have the freedom you must allow others to have theirs!!!!!!
666 the mark of the beast that the book of Revelations talks about.
.End time prophecy of an evil explanation is at hand. Cayman stop importing all these devil worshipers from those wicked nations like Haiti, jamaica and some others. their evil beliefs and satanic worship is the downfall of Haiti. Stop these lax immigration and work permit grants to the whole world! We don't want any tsunamis and no earthquakes here in Cayman as is the plight of those wicked nations that forget God and go after other Gods. abd don't let people coming to this country tel lus how to live our lives dishonoring the great God almighty and do not follow their foreign gods.
This is a crime there is a law against this!
…….. and at that time, a man shall lose another man's hammer and a great confusion will descend on the earth .. about six o'clock.
It must be true, for it is so written in the Book of Cyril.
Maybe immigration should not only fingerprint furriners, but let's have them checked for cloven hooves too.
'666, the mark of the beast'. Oh grow up and join the 21st century. Your imaginary friends won't send doom and gloom just because of a silly piece of sculpture. What happened to loving ones fellow man, you religious lunatics only apply your scriptures for your own benefit and small mindedness. Bigotry is a moral sin, as is racism and prejudice.
Practice what you preach, being a good person isn't reading 1500 year old stories from a book.
Since you obviously know for a fact that there is an applicable law: Can you please quote or give us reference to this law?
Can we add Canadians to that list?
wouldn’t these people be better off trying to do some good in the community and ignoring publicity stunts like this?
Is the bottom picture of those who protested? Why would you take a picture of yourself in front of what you are protesting? This makes no sense!
It is offensive producing such crap anyway, & at Easter particularly so. Whether or not you agree with it & free speech nonsense, it seems desigend to offend so therefore should not be allowed.
666 & goats etc. are not ture satanism or devil worship (except by people don't know what they are doing), but mis-informed idiots trying to offend.
The RCIPS should deal with anyone trying offend the morals & good people of these islands.
"The RCIPS should deal with anyone…" What law has been broken, pray tell?
Hmmm, if we are going to start pointing fingers at obscene art and inappropriate symbolism, what about those creepy crucifixes hanging up in some Cayman churches?
Have you ever really taken a good look at them? Yuck. An emaciated, bloody dead guy nailed to pieces of wood may be beautiful to some, but to others it’s just plain weird and creepy.
Eye of the beholder, my troglodyte friends.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
There is a clear message this artist is trying to get out. Do any of you know what it is? Have you taken the time to ask? Who knows what is going on…perhaps this is someone who needs help and this is his way of asking…yet all you do is protest? What about loving other people? Do you have a clue what that entails? Do you know it will take you out of your comfort zone? Do you think Jesus was comfortable when he was loving you?
Brackers finally get a tourist attraction and now they dont want it:))))))
In my humble opinion, the artist's (and he IS a very good artist) worst fear is to be ignored or fogotten. I believe when we protest his works, we give him the attention he most craves. I have nothing against Foots. Like him, I also believe that what I do on my own property is my business. Where I differ is that I also believe that to assault the beliefs and senses of others is the antithesis of staying under the radar.
It's like the American sense of freedom of speach: You have the right to say what you wish as long as that speach doesn't harm anyone.
Put another way, when a person seeks the edge of what is acceptible, they loose the right to whinge about the consequences when they find it.
Your comment is a bit out of touch. Has anyone heard Mr. Foots "whinge" about this? Its not in the story here. Seems like all whinging is coming from everyone else but Mr. Foots. He probably finds the whingers mildly amusing. I know I do.
From what I have been hearing from the Brac lately, some members of this "largely Christian community" are blatant vandals. The story is ages old: criminal acts performed in the name of God. Just goes to prove one of my sayings: "Whenever religion comes to play, ugly follows."
I guess you didn't hear Mr. Foots on the radio then. Hard to call it anything but whinging. I don't personally care if his sculptures are visible or not, and I don't want to slide down the slippery slope of allowing groupthink to decide what the line of acceptability is.
I do believe that when a person seeks that line, they must accept the consequences. I think also that the protesters have a right to peacefully protest, and no, I didn't join them.
Maybe the people who are offended should take the time to communicate with the artist about his intentions. Has anyone thought to do that? Have any of you asked him what he is trying to say? Lack of communication is the cause of so much strife among people. People hear (or in this case, see) what they want to hear (or in this case, see), stop listening (or in this case, looking) and start responding….all without any knowledge as to what is being communicated. For all you know…he is saying the same thing you are…just in a very different way!!
But Foots message is a serious message. It is indeed apocalypic. Notice Jesus is not on his cross. Rather the goats head and the three sixes, meaning our sins are left on the cross. This is a serious message for Cayman. That means Jesus has not taken away our sins. It is left here on an empty cross. Our sins should be placed on Jesus to save us from them and stop any judgement from befalling us. The symbolism of his art troubles me. If this is the kind of artist Cayman produces, he is sure telling us a message even if he doesn't know what he is doing.
That would then be an ecumenical matter.
Dem Brackers protest breeze.
I can see this was deliberately posted on the eve of the Christian tri-holy days – Holy Thursday (when Christ had his last supper), Good Friday (when he died on the cross for the sins of the world), and Easter Sunday (when he rose again from the dead). Seeing we have had signs in moon turning red and dark ring around the other day, all of these events happening during the Jewish passover, I take it that his artwork is a distraction from the salvific realities of the Christian faith and the coming judgement on the Cayman Islands and the whole world. Pray!
Unbelievers take you for a joke.
He turned me into newt. I got better.
Foots, you have the right to express yourself just like anyone else,it's called freedom of speech.
He has a right to go express it somewhere else too.
Fortunately 09.12, you don't have the right to force him, nor the right to utter such incitement to hatred.
We all got a right to say what we want to say on OUR own islands and we are saying this man believes in the devil. You want me to write again? I have that right, right??
When ignorance is worn like a medal of honour, all get to see. When it is also written, the level of unattained education also shines through, preserving all for posterity.
hmmmm…UK's islands, technically, and no, you cannot incite hatred. Think it is one of the few hanging offences left. If not, it should be.
It looks uninspiring, unpleasant and unhealthy. It repels me. It's an innapropriate cliche. This sort of crap was being done decades ago. This isn't art, it's pompous rubbish.
Oh. So NOW they want something regulated?
Funny how that works.
Sorry Brackers but Alden's Human Rights Chapter in our Constitution will allow Foots to do whatever he wishes in relation to his "religion" and "art".
Good. Welcome to the mid 20th century.
This has nothing to do with Alden.
It's not his human rights, and let's not forget that. You have to understand that all this human rights crap is coming out of Europe. This Human Rights BS has been forced on the UK also, and of course Cayman being a crown colony of the Uk, has to abide by the same laws.
It has gottren so bad in the UK that they cant even deport harden criminals, that are not citizens of the UK.
Just this week a jamaican national/homosexual who murdered a young Briton is claiming his human rights to not return to jam, because of fear of victimization, due to him being gay.
David Cameron and his coalition Government stand a chance of losing the election next year, due to the fact they fail to adhered to the 85% of the people's wishes to pull away from the Union. The UKIP party is adamant to tell Europe to piss off.
Not everything done in the name of art is actually art. Just saying. If this thing has rotting flesh and bones as a part of it, I am sure that poses some form of environmental health issue doesn't it? Not to mention the sheer smell?! Come on Mr Foots – be considerate of others. Why don't you erect this thing INSIDE your house where you can admire it all you want to and no one but you and your invited guests has to stare at, or be exposed to something so repulsive!
There is no "rotting flesh" as suggested by a very few. They just needed to create a sensation as opposed to speak acurately.
In think its great. Its better than Tracy Emimim's bed and more work went into.
Ir says a lot about life….. i feel it speeking to me. Foots don't give up and whatever you do don't cut your ear off they still won't understand……..
Foots who quoted John Lennon "Love is the answer" should realize that it was a "loving" God who decided to send His Son, Jesus Christ into the world to save the lost world from those very things that are against peace, love to others, and hope. From a human perspective he may know a gist about human love, but from a religious view he is so caught up with the ills of what religious people have done in the past that it has blinded him. He is alright against "all" that Christianity has to offer the world – that is his protest via art. I think what you fail to Mr. Foots is that we are inherently self-centered sinners in need of a Savior. To deny that God wouldn't send us a perfect and good sacrifice to save us from our sinful condition, is to say He is not Love. Actually you go against "true love" by mocking Him, placing a goats head on the cross, knowing full well what the goat's head symbolizes – Satan. Your art is your freedom of expression and it shows us how much more we need a Savior like Jesus Christ. How we are frail human beings going down to the grave and we are naturally in opposition to all virtuous things. How we love to focus on bad things and reject the good in other people's faiths. My dear Mr. Foots try to look into yourself and see that Christianity is not the way how the world sees it. They have never been right.
Unison.
I hope you notice the thumbs down for comments made against Foots. It seems like they are amongst the crowd condeming what we all grew up with… Christianity., love and respect.
The respect for the Christ. was the way for 99% of the Brackers.
Remember the Red Indians in North America, and what the Europeans did to them…just saying!
Did they all perform the Happy Dance in front of Foot's masterpiece?
As for the church. You know you can't rely on their voices. 5-6 young people where killed in supposed gang warfare in Grand Cayman. Where was the church? Exactly I rest my case. Half of them are not from here and just receiving their 10% tithes from the poor congregation. Some of them are not lead by the Almighty and are saving to go back from whence they come from. The Caymans being a good place to claim to be a Minister for nobody ask any questions just like what they do in other jobs. I doubt you will be hearing from them regarding the situation. They probably want the individual's money and are afraid to say anything. Get up from ass and do something you so called MINISTERS.
As for the Church written at 0905. I have to agree with what you have said because I really cannot find two good words to say about the churches on these three Islands.
They are all about keeping alive to suppot themseves. The brain wash thir congregaton just t keep them coming andcbringing money t kee them afloat. All churches are doing this.
The churches have members who do not even know were a second meal is comming from, yet they complain and grown that they have n money.
I am aware of a church sister who has been cookiing out side for three months and no elctctricity from December. Asked her pastor for help and he said the churh has no money. She has been a member for 30 years.
Church sisters in worse predicament ad the no good mean pastors turn a blind eye. I have no faith in these churches, they are all silent gamblers.
i
This is the problem when you allow certain types of expats into your community. First they don't respect the people, the culture, the history and anything else pertaining to Caymanians. I like to see him try and stick is "supposed art" in the Middle East. Let's see what response he would get. I doubt he would have legs or hands left by the time they finish with him. The individual already knew when he decided to leave his non cultured environment that the Cayman Islands is a christian society and most sensible people deciding to reside somewhere would respect the environment they choose to leave in. I hope the individual realizes that the Brackers do not suffer fools likely like that the uncle toms in Grand Cayman who are quick to sell off everything for the good old mighty dollar and leave nothing for their children.. You go Elvis and may your support continue to grow. The individual needs to have his permit revoke and go and live somewhere else where they would appreciate this so called art. Have you idots not learn yet "When in Rome, Do as the Romans Do". If not happy leave.
I have an un le Tom,and he is my favorite uncle.
Don't you just love so-called Christians preaching hate and casting stones first. Frankly they need the Church because they do not understand that they have to set themselves free before God can help them, and certain Churches love to show them how they should think-it is called mind control. A mildly thinking person does not need it. Have you ever wondered in the second world war and in every war since how God was truly supporting opposite sides?? Does not take a genius to work it out.
Gee. Judging by the posts here and elsewhere on CNS, if all the unhappy people left the Cayman Islands, there would on be about five of us left. Good riddance I say. No more traffic jams.
Smart Bracers understand the value of expats in your society. Check out your economy and your population. Both are in decline! Your comments about Bracers and expats are both wrong and stupid.
This is not my art and I don't have an opinon on it. However, I am an expat that visits often and enjoys a beautiful place while I spnd my money and help fuel your economy. I cannot be offended by your rediculous comments regarding expats. I give no credibility to stupidity.
Your post shows a clear message that I have to agree with. Simply, you do not get out much or travel far or often.
Do as the Romans do?
Cool, I am organising a small orgy at my place tonight in honour of seven gods, whilst being tended on by slaves from different nations.
Starts around 9 pm ending tomorrow sometime.
Good artists allways stir emotions Foots is one of them.
Talent like that is oftennot reconised until the artist is dead.
Look at Ms. Lassie when she was alive she was known as a nutter, now they spent millions trying to save her work.
And to you Good Christains Shut up, your God is a merciful, forgiving God.
You should not fear this stuff next thing you know you will think magic is real or witchcraft for that matter.
Obeah is not real either. I think its so third world that you people have a law againsed it.
I suppose there is a law againsed Duppys and spacemen also.
"Talent like that is often not reconised until the artist is dead." what a stupid statement! what artist you know dead has left sacrilegious art and is famous for it !!!
Ms. Lassie for one If you look at her work it seems as if she is in hell and screaming for people to listen. Perhaps she is asking for others to join her in hell
Sacreligious is a matter if opinion
Dear O (or Savonarola as I will call you) The following artists were all accused of making sacrilegious art while they were living: Raphael, Leonardo da Vinci, Michaelangelo, Carravagio, Francisco Goya, Francis Bacon, and Frieda Kahlo. I could go on but have to hide my books before the burnings start.
Wtf is all that graffiti left on that house in south sound? It looks like she was taken by demons whilst clutching a couple of spray cans.
Foots is obviously a very courageous man…not. What is his next stunt, a caricature of Mohammed in Saudi Arabia? I rest my case.
Mr. Foots, these people were here long before you brought your art and they will be here long after you have gone.
As a fellow expat in these blessed islands, I would recommend that you respect the views of these people who have granted you the privilege of living in their land.
I suggest you seek the Living God while he may be found and maybe you will find peace in your obviously troubled soul.
These folk don't wish you any malice, Mr. Foots.
Don't wish him malice? Did you read the so called Christian messages???
I would rather enjoy challenging art that spend this week believing in a zombie story.
The problem with any religion is, that it simply won't allow another to exist.
I didnt realize that this cross with the rotting goats head was someone elses religion or faith! However, we do have laws against this, as well as against voodoo,obeah etc. Whether you like it or not, those laws still exist in Cayman and the Govt needs to enforce it pronto. Good for you Cayman Brac for standing up.
Do you realize that a lot of the OLD laws in place here in Cayman clash with the NEW human rights law? The best thing the government can do is stay far away from this situation before they are sued. Then you gonna hear all of Cayman talking about how the CIG is broke and all this person wants is money and why did the government get involved and blah blah blah…. STOP, and think 10 steps ahead for one minute. YOU CANT HAVE YOUR CAKE AND EAT IT TOO! GET OVER IT! This foolishness has gotten more media coverage than way more important things happening on our islands because Bracers feel its so worthy of it. SMH! If you put so much passion into your economy then maybe you all would be in a better situation regarding the unemployed but then again Bracer just like Caymanians on a whole think they are entitled to certain things in life and just expect hand outs.
Caymanian
Your faith must be seriously weak if you feel threatened by this.
also freedom of religion is now a fact.
try cleaning your own back yard before hassleing your neighbor about his.
THERE IS ALSO THE "DEMOCRATIC RIGHT" THAT MAJORITY RULES. And if the majority is Christian, you better respect that! So you can talk about religious freedom all you want. You just don't disrespect another man's country without explanation and good cause!
Territory. Not country.
But isn't Foot a Caymanian?
So by your logic, if the majority votes that eating human flesh is good then we all should do that? Wake Up!
Majority rules? No the PPM does, apparently. Another Christian threatener. Go get a brain.
The 20 people pictured do not represent a majority or anything remotely close to it. Regrettably, a "vocal minority" have created a bigger issue than the presentation!
Majority rules?
I thought it was whoever bought enough votes rules.
I agree that it is disgusting, but don't we have the right to freedom of speech and expression in this country? I do not agree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it. Some people are also offended by a man nailed to a cross but wouldn't we all be upset if our government made the image of it illigal?
The Cayman Islands Planning Regulations do not apply to the Sister Islands!
I applaude the residents of Cayman Brac for taking a move against this kind of art activity on the Islands.. I do feel it is very bad for Cayman Brac, and they should not allow anyone to put up such things. God help Us. What next.
Brackers stand frm and let othe see ta you wil not allow his sort of thing going on. Its down right crazy.God help us.
07.01..Hipocracy at its Cayman Christian best…where is the love thy neighbour, respect and so on? Hitler started out like you did…instead of doing something useful like sorting out the lying, cheating, thieving, education issues, serious moral issues, unwanted pregancies, corruption, bad mouthing you want to complain about an artists work. Whoopee dooo. You don't have to like it, but as long as he ain't breaking a law he ain't doing anything wrong. No stop writing on here and go sort out Cayman.
I do have to ask what you are afraid of? And, what would you do/accomplish if you weren't afraid?
So what's so different from you guys trying to destroy a bird sanctuary? Maybe it's a sign to stop and consider your destinys? Christian people do not destroy bird sanctuaries!
Glad to see Elvis organised this peaceful protest. XXXXXX
Elvis, where were all of the Church pastors/preachers? Noticed that none of them were there and that they do not have to courage to do what you did (organise protest and write letters). You mentioned the 2nd Elected Member for Brac – didn't you know that she put Kynes on the Development Control Board during last Government administration?
As a fellow American, I am ashamed that Kynes is pushing his so-called artistic freedom to the point of Satanic/Demonic subjects.
But I will acknowledge that Kynes has silently proven a point, it has taken the owner of a liquor store to stand up to this nonsense . . . while Church leaders silence speaks volumes for their lack of concern. And the subject has yet to make it into the pamphlets of one store owner who gives them out as you enter his business.
The Few, The Proud, Respect to Elvis
Romans 12:19
Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
12.19 you say? yep a bad result. Hope the Romans win next time.
Romans?
What did they ever do for us anyway?
Rhythm is a dancer.
Snap. 1992.
People in some religions serve a God who they have to defend because he is unable to defend himself.
People who have a true relationship wth the Lord Jesus Christ, know that our God is capable of defending Himsel, His kngdom and His people.
Jesus commissioned His followers to preach the gospel.
"God shall brng every work into judgment,with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil. Ecclesistes 12:14.
Most people enjoy and ask for more of the true, inspirational, historical and sometimes humorous stories that the store owner writes as the Lord leads him to do so.
Some of these stories can be seen on facebook. .
That is the thing about free speech. It is not there to protect the free speech no-one objects to, it is there to protect the free speech that someone does not like.
Christians are the new bullies
A lot of Christians are because they take the Bible too literal but please don't generalize everyone in that statement…I am a proud Christian and I am not out there protesting or against freedom of speechor a lot of the things some Christians are.
Christians have always been the biggest, most mean, bullies throughout history.
Obviously, you don't know a lot of the history of Christianity or indeed the worldin general. That is a very ignorant statement.
It's hardly new. Hasn't been for atleast 1500 years.
While it is noted that these people mean well, if they had just ignored this pile of mess from the beginning it would have gone away. Foots loves the attention.
Great to see such a strong group of Caymanians standing up for our beliefs. I was unable to attend but support ur effort. Elvis you are a strong character.
Foots you are my hero ! The rest of you stop pissing about worrying about a pile of rock and start thinking how you are gonna start to become more self suffcient as an economy as opposed to a drain on the rest of us…
Away now before I disembowel a chicken, count the tapeworms within and put a hex on you !
Good art is meant to stir controversy. Well done to the artist.
Controversy with a message. I don't really see any message behind this, just lets upset as many people as we can. I'm not religous by any means but this is cleary lacking in taste and should be taken down.