What Would Leonardo Think?
The 24th annual Folsom Street Fair hits San Francisco this weekend, specifically on September 30. This "only-in-San Francisco of San Francisco" events not only always draws a huge crowd from all over the country and world, it also draws some controversy and criticism. This year, a lot of the controversy has occured as a result of this year's Official Event Poster.
The poster this year offers a representation of da Vinci's Last Supper masterpiece, complete with leather men and women and various leather and fetish gear on the table. Well, the far-right group, the Concerned Women for America, has issued an official statement voicing their ire and, otherwise, concern. [The Concerned Women are always somehow concerned about something. I just can't help but picture a group of women gathered around a table, all with furrowed-brows, maybe uni-brows, wringing their hands and worrying about something they witness or experience in the world. Are only women allowed in the Concerned Women for America? Can men be in this group? Are they sexist?]
Anyway, the CWA stated that this poster is "reminiscent of biblical Sodom and Gomorrah" [Were they there?] and that the "bread and wine representing Christ's broken body and life-giving blood are replaced with sadomasochistic sex toys in this twisted version of da Vinci's Last Supper". OK. [These Women have too much time on their hands, it seems.]
A sad note to this is that a major sponsor of the Folsom Street Fair, Miller Brewing, asked that their logo be removed from the poster citing "corporate policy" and not public pressure. Hmmm. They didn't ask for their promotional money to be returned, though.
My view is that this poster is a classic and totally depicts the look and feel of this annual San Francisco leather community event and is actually a piece of (or copy of) fine art. The poster was not designed to support or offend religion at all - and, who cares (or would be concerned) if it was? I really think Leo would be flattered. [The Women should see some of the ads in the Official Program Guide if they're looking to be concerned - HOT]
It's funny to me how some supposed, well-meaning organizations spew such ill-will and "holier than thou", if you will, views on things they simply don't understand or have no business getting their concerns involved in in the first place. I'm concerned about these women.
I have one more thing for these concerned women to ponder - da Vinci was gay.
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