An art show in Paphos is now closed. It was for artist Giorgos Gavriel. But some people did not like the religious pictures. The Blue Iris gallery closed on Sunday. The owner got threats. Many people were also angry.
The art showed new ideas. Some people thought the pictures were bad. A person on social media spoke out. This made more people angry. Three young people took art. Then the threats to the owner were very bad. The artist said the show must close. This is to keep people safe.
Some politicians were not happy. One politician said the art hurt Christ. He said it was not art. Another politician was very upset. She said being rude is not free speech.
The artist, Giorgos Gavriel, does not agree. He thinks a bad picture of his work was shared. This made the problem bigger. He said artists now have police watch their art. He also said people take art away. Police knew about this. They were at the gallery.
This happened in Paphos. It is about art and religion. It is hard for artists and galleries. People will talk more about free speech. They will also talk about art that is different. What will happen to art in Cyprus?