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Solenn Heussaff issues apology, thanks netizens for 'letting this be an eye-opener for me as well'
Solenn Heussaff has issued an apology on Thursday morning, one day after announcing her 3rd solo exhibit and receiving online backlash for it.
“It wasn't my intention to hurt or offend anyone,” Solenn said in a statement posted on social media.
“It was my hope that I could lend my voice and my art to show the reality of Filipinos. This is the heart and inspiration of all my paintings, both old and new,” she added.”
Solenn clarified she “did not want to romanticize the poverty of the everyday Pinoy or the resiliency that we naturally have.”
“I really hoped to honor our people by being truthful about the kind of life a lot of Filipinos live today and to show that Filipinos deserve better,” she wrote.
In her statement, Solenn explained the concept behind the shoot and apologized for the offense it has caused.
“I’ve been thinking a lot about the comments you guys left on the photo I posted. I know it sparked some debate and there were both good and bad takes on it. While I appreciate the encouragement some shared, I also want to apologize to those I have hurt,” she said.
“[I] Wanted to shoot it in a typical street, those we drive by everyday. Streets full of life, since all my paintings are about the people we see. Not the rich or the poor but people for who they are. Humanity,” she added.
According to Solenn, "the choice of painting was to show the environmental side.“
“The abundance and balance of what life was, but also growth and hope,” she explained.
“Though yes, art is subjective, and your thoughts made me more sensitive to different perspectives on my art and this really was a learning experience for me,” she added.
The French-Filipina celebrity also expressed her gratitude for those who called her out, saying it was “an eye-opener for me as well."
"And to those that I have offended, I am sorry,” she added.
On Wednesday afternoon, Solenn posted on Facebook, saying "Clearly people are quick to judge. I'll just share the story when people can see the complete exhibit," she said.
She also deleted her exhibit announcement on Facebook.
Netizens have tagged her as “insensitive” and accused her of promoting “poverty porn” after posting a photo of her art displayed in front of a street.
The post in question was Solenn's announcement of her 3rd solo exhibit, "Kundiman," which will run from March 26 to April 24. — Margaret Claire Layug/LA, GMA News
