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Translated by: Edona Binaku
- July 9, 2024 20:25
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The Jesus Christ artwork, which features animated Looney Tunes characters, has been removed from Sydney city council after threats of violence. Online protesters claimed the work mocked the Christian religion, while the mayor of Liverpool, Ned Mannoun, called for it to be removed from the Black Art exhibition.
The work of the Australian artist, Philjames, entitled "Jesus Speaks to the Daughters of Jerusalem", has been removed from the recently opened exhibition at the "Casula Powerhouse" art center in Australia, after harsh criticism of the artist and the gallery, just two days before the end of the eight-week exhibition.
The exhibition aims to highlight local and international contemporary artists who explore ideas of religion through art and attracts artists from all faiths and cultural backgrounds. At the same time, at the end of it, the important art prize "Blake Art Prize" is awarded. But in the run-up to the exhibition's close, online protesters claimed the lithograph, made in 2023, mocks the Christian religion, and some threatened violence against the museum and its staff - many of whom are volunteers.
Philjames said he received more than 200 vile and threatening messages on social media, while the gallery received more than 60 phone calls from angry protesters.
"I like to provoke a bit of reaction with my work, but not to this extent. The level of malice and the sheer volume was really scary," said the 48-year-old. "I've been doing this kind of artwork for about 15 years and I've had one or two people get upset about it, but nothing like these recent reactions. In fact, their threats and insults against me were vile and their actions were not Christian at all."
One protester even warned the artist that the gallery would do well to provide him with "extra protection".
"The tall staff who work there do not need such things. It's not worth it," declared Philjames.
The mayor of Liverpool, Ned Mannoun, has called for the removal of the painting in question, citing "numerous complaints from residents who were disgusted and offended that Liverpool Council was displaying this work of art".
"The prophet of the Christian faith, Jesus Christ has nothing to do with the cartoon character Goofy," he said in a statement.
Charlie Bakhos, founder of the Catholic conservative group Christian Lives Matter, told supporters on social media that the "shockingly disrespectful art" has now been removed from the exhibition.
"This is another attack on the Christian religion that we managed to stop, thanks to the support of the whole community. Let us continue to defend our faith with respect, and we will have positive results in our mission, given that Jesus is on our side."
Liverpool Council's acting chief executive, Jason Breton, said the artwork was removed as a result of the mayor's stance, safety concerns and community feedback.
While Philjames has said that he was "absolutely happy to put security first", and that he feels concerned that the incident in question could affect the restriction of freedom of expression.
"This for me is the most problematic thing: the mayor asked for it to be removed, putting politics before freedom of expression. Where do such actions end"?
On the other hand, Ned Mannoun said that the right to free speech had to be balanced with the right to practice religion without fear, persecution or ridicule.
“Liverpool is one of the most religious Local Authority Associations in Sydney. Religious art should be respectful and unifying, not divisive and disrespectful." Further, he said he would make the same calls for artwork that he would consider anti-Semitic or derogatory to any religion.
Philjames, whose work has been described as surreal, has said he grew up attending religious school but does not practice religion.
"I find all this a bit absurd. It was a playful piece. I like to include cartoon characters in my works. To be honest, there wasn't really any particular meaning behind the painting."
He also announced that during the weekend he received great support from the artistic community.
In his works, the artist has treated a variety of subjects in the same form, including Queen Elizabeth II, Donald Trump and Christopher Reeven. He is represented by the "Chalk Horse" gallery in Darlinghurst and has been a contender for the "Blake Art Prize" several times.
The organizers of the exhibition that awarded the "Blake Prize" have also caused controversy in the past. In 2011, artist Luke Roberts' work sparked a community backlash. In 2007, two different works, part of the "Blake Art Prize" exhibition, were severely criticized by well-known Australian politicians, John Howard and Kevin Rudd. One depicted Saint Mary wearing a Muslim burqa and the other showed the image of Jesus Christ replaced with the face of Osama bin Laden.
"The selection of such a work of art is offensive to the religious beliefs of many Australians," former Australian Prime Minister Howard said at the time.
Taken from "The Guardian".
