A political row erupted on Sunday between DISY and ELAM following the opening of an art exhibition by Professor George Gavriel on Saturday evening at the Blue Iris Gallery in Paphos. DISY claims the exhibition contained images offensive to Christ, the Virgin Mary, and Christian faith.
In a written statement, DISY leader and House President Annita Demetriou condemned the artworks, saying, “Faith cannot be reduced to a pre-election slogan.” She added that while freedom of expression is vital, it “cannot serve as an excuse for vulgarity,” and criticised ELAM for attempting to exploit the issue for political gain.
Demetriou concluded: “Society does not need art that offends, nor mudslinging politics that divide. It needs values, respect, and seriousness.”
Earlier, ELAM called for action against those presenting the exhibition, describing it as “a crude and direct insult to our faith and ideals” and promised to raise the matter again in the House of Representatives.
The Blue Iris Gallery,in a Facebook post said it cancelled the “Antisystemic Art” exhibition, recognising the public controversy. The gallery emphasised that it had no intention of offending or showing disrespect to religion.