Artwork at Kochi-Muziris Biennale sparks backlash from Catholic groups; venue shut temporarily

‘Misrepresenting Last Supper will hurt sentiments of faithful’

“Mata Hari was also an exotic dancer, and the use of nudity in the work is directly linked to this historical and narrative context,” the curators said.

“The Kochi Biennale Foundation does not believe that the artwork in question warrants removal. Taking down the work would amount to restricting artistic expression and could be perceived as an act of censorship, which is contrary to the principles of artistic freedom and cultural dialogue that the exhibition seeks to uphold,” the curators’ statement said.

KCBC Jagratha Commission secretary Fr Michael Pulickal said the artwork was published in Bhashaposhini in 2016 and the periodical subsequently withdrawn by the publishers following protests.

“We respect the creative freedom of the artist. But misrepresenting the Last Supper of Jesus Christ will hurt the sentiments of the faithful. We agree that the theme of the artwork is good as it is the last supper of an erotic dancer condemned to death. But how can you draw comparison with a sacred event of a religion? We have sent representations to the minister for culture and the Biennale Foundation demanding to take down the artwork immediately,” Fr Michael said.

While asserting that the artwork will not be taken down, KMB president Bose Krishnamachari said the issue will be solved through talks. “The Kochi Biennale Foundation does not wish to take down the artwork. At the same time, we are mindful of religious sensitivities and believe that a constructive dialogue is the right way forward.

We firmly believe that the artwork is not intended to offend any religion and have the artist’s statement clearly explaining the context. However, the police have conveyed that they will not be in a position to ensure adequate protection to the site or the artwork, in view of the New Year celebrations. Hence, the venue will remain closed for a few days,” he said.

Explaining the context of the artwork, artist Tom Vattakuzhy said, “It is by no means opposed to Christianity; on the contrary, it reflects the values of tenderness, compassion, and empathy that Christianity upholds. I have a sustained interest in art grounded in humanism, from Early Renaissance art through subsequent movements in art history. My Christian upbringing may have contributed to this orientation. I believe that a careful reading of each of my paintings reveals these underlying layers of humanism.”