Kochi Biennale Venue Closed After Protest Over Artwork Depicting Jesus’ Last Supper
A venue of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale was temporarily closed following protests by several Christian organisations over an artwork that reimagines Jesus Christ’s famous ‘Last Supper’.
The issue surfaced during the Biennale’s curated exhibition titled ‘Idam’, where the painting was displayed.
The artwork in question was created by Kerala-based artist Tom Vattakuzhy. It presents a different visual interpretation of the Last Supper, a moment that holds deep religious significance for Christians.
Soon after the exhibition opened, Catholic groups and other Christian organisations raised strong objections, claiming that the painting hurt religious sentiments and disrespected the traditional depiction of Jesus Christ and the sacred event.
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The Kerala Latin Catholic Association was among the first to react.
The association demanded that the artwork be removed immediately and asked the Biennale organisers to issue a public apology within 24 hours.
Association secretary Biju Josey Karumanchery, in a Facebook post, questioned why public funds were being used to display an artwork that he described as offensive to Christian faith.
In his post, Karumanchery stated that freedom of expression should not be misused, especially when government money is involved.
He referred to Leonardo da Vinci’s world-famous painting of the Last Supper and questioned why such a revered religious image was being portrayed in a controversial manner. He also asked whether taxpayers, including Christians, were being insulted using their own tax money.
The Syro-Malabar Church also expressed concern over the artwork. While acknowledging that freedom of expression is an important part of a democratic society, the Church stated that artistic freedom should not come at the cost of misrepresenting or offending deeply held religious beliefs.
Following the protests, Biennale authorities decided to shut the venue temporarily.
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According to the organisers, the closure was done to prevent any possible law-and-order issues, especially with large crowds expected during the New Year celebrations. They clarified that all venues were already scheduled to remain closed due to New Year restrictions and would reopen on January 2.
Meanwhile, artist Tom Vattakuzhy defended his work while speaking to a regional television channel. He said that art is open to interpretation and that reactions depend on individual perspectives.
He firmly denied any intention to insult or defame the Last Supper or Christian beliefs. The artist explained that the painting was inspired by a theatrical play and not meant as an attack on religion.
Adding to the tension, Youth Congress workers also staged a protest at the Biennale venue in Kochi, opposing the artwork and demanding action from the organisers.
(With inputs from India Today)
