Archive · 2 Jan 2026
Christian groups protest artwork at Kochi-Muziris Biennale
Some Christian groups in Kerala, India, got upset about an artwork at a big art show called the Kochi-Muziris Biennale.
They thought the artwork, made by a local artist named Tom Vattakuzhy, was a disrespectful version of a famous painting called The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci.
The groups said the artwork hurt their feelings and demanded it be taken down.
The artist said he didn't mean to hurt anyone's feelings and that his artwork was inspired by a play, not The Last Supper.
The art show was temporarily closed to avoid any trouble, but it will reopen soon.
The artist explained that his work was about humanism and Christian values, not about distorting The Last Supper.
Christian groups protested an artwork at the Kochi-Muziris Biennale, alleging it misrepresented The Last Supper.
The artwork, created by Tom Vattakuzhy, was displayed at the Garden Convention Centre, Bazar Road, Kochi.
Protesters demanded the artwork's immediate withdrawal and an apology, claiming it hurt religious sentiments.
The Biennale authorities temporarily closed the venue to prevent any law and order issues during New Year celebrations.
Artist Tom Vattakuzhy clarified that his artwork was inspired by a play and not based on The Last Supper, emphasizing its humanistic themes.
- Who
- Christian groups, including the Syro-Malabar Church and Kerala Latin Catholic Association, protested an artwork by Tom Vattakuzhy.
- What
- An artwork displayed at the Kochi-Muziris Biennale was protested for allegedly misrepresenting The Last Supper.
- When
- The protests occurred on 30th December 2023, and the venue was temporarily closed.
- Where
- The artwork was displayed at the Garden Convention Centre, Bazar Road, Kochi.
- Why
- Christian groups alleged that the artwork hurt religious sentiments and disrespected traditional depictions of Jesus Christ and The Last Supper.
Christian Groups
Artist and Biennale Authorities
Artwork's Religious Depiction
Christian Groups
The artwork is a distorted depiction of The Last Supper, hurting religious sentiments and violating respect for Christian faith.
Artist and Biennale Authorities
The artwork is inspired by a play and emphasizes humanistic themes, not intended to disrespect religious symbols.
- Artist
- Tom Vattakuzhy
- Artwork Location
- Garden Convention Centre, Bazar Road, Kochi
- Protest Date
- 30th December 2023
- Protesting Groups
- Syro-Malabar Church, Kerala Latin Catholic Association, Youth Congress
- Biennale Reopening Date
- January 2, 2024
- Artwork Inspiration
- Play 'Mridhavangiyude Durmruthyu' by C. Gopan, not The Last Supper
Sources
Kerala: Christian groups shut down exhibition venue alleging ‘objectionable’ artwork of The Last Supper, claims conspiracy to hurt sentiments of believers
Kerala Church Groups Protest Over Painting They Claim Insults 'Last Supper'
