Religious Controversy

Religion is a central part of any culture. Religion has also been a central part of art for thousands of years, but many times, art has crossed the line drawn by certain religions. These images have stirred lots of controversy because of their religious depictions.

Ronald Harrison, The Black Christ - 1962

The Black Christ by Ronald Harrison created controversy in 1962 because it depicts African National Congress leader Albert Luthuli as Jesus. Harrison was a South African artist, and The Black Christ depicts Luthuli crucified on a cross next to the South African apartheid leader Hendrick Verwoed and former Minister of Justice John Vorster. Verwoed and Vorster are depicted as Roman soldiers. This piece challenged the apartheid system and also the notion that Jesus was white.

Andres Serrano, Piss Christ - 1987

This piece by Serrano is actually a photograph, and is a piece plagued with controversy. The piece is a photograph of a crucified Jesus figure submerged in Serrano’s urine, and the extreme controversy surrounding this piece elevated it to an international level. In 1997, this piece, while displayed at the National Gallery of Victoria in Australia, was removed from its gallery wall, kicked, and hammered. Then, in 2011, this piece, while being exhibited at the French Collection Lambert in Avignon, employees received death threats and the piece was again hammered.

Chris Ofili,The Holy Virgin Mary - 1996

Chris Ofili’s The Holy Virgin Mary was a bold piece which was considered by most as offensive and scandalous. The piece employed elephant dung as well as pornographic images to create a depiction of the Holy Virgin Mary. Furthermore, she is depicted with dark skin. This piece was considered scandalous and insulting, and many Christian groups protested against the Brooklyn Art Museum for displaying such a blasphemous piece of art.

Cedric Chambers, The Prophet - 2012

The Prophet by Cedric Chambers. depicts Darth Vader carrying Jesus from the Twin Tower remains, after it had been destroyed during the 9/11 terrorist attack. The New York citizens find this piece offensive because Chambers grouped images of a terrorist attack with a popular image like Darth Vader. Chambers stated that "the relationship between Jesus and Darth Vader is a messianic one. Both are prophets with similar aspects; virgin births, self-sacrifice, magical powers.The world trade centers are a result of religious fervor; and the interpretations of the Prophet Muhammed. Prophetic cultural reactions. Synthesized, historico interpretations of Christ, represented at vastly different periods of time. To me this piece represents the battle between good and evil, in a way that accepts that they are the same." This incredulous relationship formed by Chambers caused outrage and controversy.