Walking on Eggshells

Crumb’s illustrations have offered a new way to look at the stories of Genesis and see them with a more analytical eye. Honestly, when I look at the pictures, I just take them for what they are: one man’s interpretation. So for me they do not add anything to the text, nor do they detract anything. My images of Genesis have not been affected by his images. I am personally not offended, but I can assure you, my Catholic schoolteachers would be.

I think that because of secular world we live in, Crumb’s drawings have become less and less obscene. After all, there are lot dirtier drawings out there. Recently, there was big controversy of Chris Ofili’s painting “The Holy Virgin Mary” which had elephant dung and bare bottoms incorporated into the painting. It would be hard for me to believe if Ofili said he created it without irony.

As artists take their creative license to interpret a religious or godly thing, they have a certain responsibility to uphold respect. I do not think that Crumb overstepped boundaries. Yes, his drawings are a little risqué, but with the Virgin Mother covered in poop going around, it’s a relatively accurate portrayal of Genesis. Our culture has become so religious insensitive in order to be sensitive to everyone about their own beliefs. We’ve basically created one giant eggshell to walk on in regards to religion.

At first I was a little skeptical about the intentions of Crumb and Genesis, but I will have to admit that I do agree with his statement about wanting to create Genesis without irony. I think that his style of drawing and his interpretation have some validity and shouldn’t be claimed has heretical. However, I do think that the book of Genesis, the first book of a religious text, holds irony within itself.