In a statement criticising the artwork, the Syro-Malabar Church alleged that it distorted the Last Supper scene. “We doubt whether it was displayed at the biennale intentionally to hurt the sentiments of the believers,” the statement said. The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci depicts the last meal shared by Jesus Christ with his apostles before his crucifixion. The version of The Last Supper created by Vattakuzhy also faced protests in December 2016 when it was published in a magazine and had to be withdrawn following protests.
Christian groups alleged that the artwork hurt religious sentiments and disrespected the traditional depictions of Jesus Christ and the Last Supper. The Kerala Latin Catholic Association demanded an apology and the immediate withdrawal of the artwork within 24 hours. Biju Josey Karumanchery, Secretary of the Association, reportedly questioned the use of public funds for what he described as an insult to Christian faith. “Do not think you can show whatever you want in the name of freedom of expression using government money. Are you insulting us with the tax money we also pay? A world-famous mural painted by the world-famous painter Leonardo da Vinci was painted in this way,” he reportedly wrote in a Facebook post. Youth Congress workers also organised a protest at the Biennale venue in Kochiagainst the artwork.
However, the Biennale authorities said that the venue was closed after the protests in order to avoid any law and order situation in view of the New Year celebrations. “All venues are closed due to New Year restrictions and will reopen on January 2,” the organisers said.
Artwork not based on the Last Supper: artist Vattakuzhy
Creator of the artwork, Tom Vattakuzhy, described the protests as ‘unfortunate’ and said that he had never intended to hurt anyone’s faith or sentiments. “Born into a Christian family, most of my works have been inspired by the humanism seen in Christian values. This artwork is an extension of that thought process and not a distortion of The Last Supper as alleged by those opposing it,” he added. Explaining the artwork, Vattakuzhy said that it was inspired by the play Mridhavangiyude Durmruthyu by writer C. Gopan and not based on the theme of the Last Supper. “The story itself is inspired by a poem written by Vyloppilli, which, in turn, draws from historical events. I have always been inspired by the works of masters based on the early Renaissance. I believe in humanistic art,” he clarified.
