Tom Vattakuzhy has rejected allegations of distorting the depiction of Christ’s Last Supper in his painting displayed at Kochi Biennale.
Kochi: Noted artist Tom Vattakuzhy on Wednesday rejected allegations of distorting the depiction of Christ’s Last Supper in one of his paintings displayed at Kochi Biennale, a day after the Catholic Church had raised strong criticism against it.
While speaking to a TV channel, he said the respective painting, part of the Biennale’s curated show, ‘Idam’ exhibition, was based on a play, and there was nothing to hurt the sentiments of believers.
He said each person was approaching a work of art from their individual perspective. For him, the artist said, Jesus Christ is more than a figure with a long beard and hair.
Vattakuzhy said he sees Christ in every person who suffers pain and hardships. “That love and compassion can be seen in my paintings as well,” he said.
Vattakuzhy’s paintings displayed at the Kochi Biennale have drawn criticism from Christian groups, who say the artwork hurts religious sentiments.
