Nope! Solenn Heussaff is not exploiting the poor's condition to generate sympathy.
This after her upcoming art exhibit immediately received backlash for the photo she used to promote the event.
In there, Solenn could be seen sitting in front of a huge canvas painted with leaves and with a rug under her chair in the middle of a slum area.
Though some netizens appreciate Solenn's artistic side, they believe the picture was done in "poor taste."
"Using poverty to promote your art is very insensitive. Rich people and their poverty porn," one of the comments read.
Solenn replied: "If this was shot in the middle of BGC then you would say I live in a bubble. I love my country and everything that makes it what it is. Maybe when you see the full exhibit you will understand what I'm trying to bring to light."
Another comment read "it's poverty porn."
"If you read my caption and get to see the whole show you will understand and not be so quick to judge."
Titled “Kundiman,” Solenn explained the exhibit expresses love, appreciation, and hope for the country and the people.
READ MORE: https://mb.com.ph/2021/03/03/solenn-heussaff-to-mount-art-exhibit/
"It's all about the background. It's all about not turning a blind eye to what goes on around us. Bringing people's story to light," she said.
Solenn also apologized after an online user complained the setup was "disturbing."
"Sorry you feel that way. That is not my intention. Please wait to see all the art works," the French-Filipino actress said.
Solenn also shared that she will be posting the art online as well with more details for people to understand.
Though there were some "violent" reactions, others defended the newbie artist.
"No need to apologize po, it’s your art. You don't owe anyone explanation," a proclaimed fan wrote.
Another netizen commented: "I don't see any poverty porn. All I can see is an artist expressing arts and her vision. It triggers the viewer's emotions.
And that background can tell a lot of stories and not just one-dimensional poverty...and to say that "that" background is a definition of poverty is also shallow."
Meanwhile, Solenn's "I Love My Country" statement also got some reactions.
In fact, a netizen pointed out that if Solenn, indeed "loves" the country as she describes it, then why is it that she only allows her daughter to watch cartoons in French and Spanish.
Recall that the actress recently revealed that Thylane, her firstborn with husband Nico Bolzico, is now allowed five minutes of cartoons per week but in French or Spanish only.
According to her, she read books that the more languages parents expose a baby to, the better.
She explained their daughter hears English every day with everyone so Thylane will learn it fast. Same with Tagalog, which their toddler hears every day at home and with family.
"So it will come naturally just like English," she pointed out. Then she said that it's French only with her and his family while Spanish with Nico.
"So she needs more exposure with both languages. And when she watches in Spanish, I get to learn too... So I'm not sure if she will identify all languages or think all four are one," she said.
Solenn's third solo art exhibit will be held at the Modeka Creative Space in Makati from March 26 until April 24.