Emiliano Zapata in heels causes stir in Mexico
An artist who painted Mexican revolutionary hero Emiliano Zapata in high heels and a pink sombrero while riding an aroused horse is taking the heat for his depiction of an iconic figure in Mexican history.
Critics of the artwork accuse the artist, Fabian Chairez, of ridiculing a former leader who some in Mexico regard as a hero.
But Chairez stopped short of calling his work a critique on Mexico's history, and said his work illustrates Zapata through a new lens.
(SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) ARTIST WHO PAINTED ZAPATA'S PORTRAIT, FABIAN CHAIREZ, SAYING:
"I take these elements as the hat, the horse and make a proposal to show other realities, other ways of representing masculinity, far from hegemonic."
The uproar over the painting has turned a spotlight on issues of freedom of expression and tolerance in Mexico.
Protesters who described themselves as part of the National Union of Agricultural Workers burst into the fine arts museum in Mexico City on Tuesday, demanding that the painting be taken down and burned. The demonstration turned violent. Members of the media were also attacked.
President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said on Wednesday said he was aware of the controversy and had asked the culture ministry to address this issue ..
