Archive · 31 Dec 2025
Kochi Biennale painting sparks Christian group outrage
There is a big art show called the Kochi Biennale in India.
A painting there shows a very important picture for Christians, called the Last Supper, but in a way that some people find disrespectful.
Some Christian groups are upset and want the painting to be taken down.
They say it hurts their feelings and makes fun of their beliefs.
The art show's organizers haven't said much, but they closed the place where the painting was for two days.
This isn't the first time this painting has caused trouble; it was in a magazine before and had to be taken out then too.
The groups say art is important, but it shouldn't be used to make fun of people's beliefs.
A painting at the Kochi Biennale depicts a distorted version of Christ's Last Supper, drawing criticism from Christian groups.
The Syro-Malabar Church and Kerala Latin Catholic Association (KLCA) demand the artwork's removal, citing hurt religious sentiments.
The Biennale authorities declined to comment but closed the convention center for two days following the protest.
The same artwork was previously published in a magazine in 2016 and withdrawn after similar protests.
Christian groups argue that while artistic freedom is important, it should not come at the expense of respecting religious beliefs.
- Who
- Christian groups, including the Syro-Malabar Church and Kerala Latin Catholic Association (KLCA)
- What
- Controversy over a painting depicting a distorted version of Christ's Last Supper at the Kochi Biennale
- When
- The painting is currently displayed at the Biennale, with previous incidents in 2016
- Where
- Kochi, Kerala, India
- Why
- Christian groups believe the artwork hurts religious sentiments and disrespects sacred symbols
- Event
- Controversy over a painting at Kochi Biennale
- Artwork
- Distorted depiction of Christ's Last Supper
- Organizers
- Kochi Biennale authorities
- Protesters
- Syro-Malabar Church, Kerala Latin Catholic Association (KLCA)
- Demands
- Removal of artwork and an apology
- Previous Incident
- Same artwork published in a magazine in 2016, withdrawn after protests
- Biennale Response
- Declined to comment, closed convention center for two days