An image of Osama bin Laden in a Christ-like pose with light radiating from his head is igniting debate in Australia where the piece is showcased in a prominent religious art competition.
Under the title of, “Bearded Orientals: Making the Empire Cross,” the “double vision” print depicts both Jesus Christ and Osama bin Laden depending on which side the viewer looks at the artwork, according to Reuters.
“It’s really unfortunate people take liberties with the Christian faith they wouldn’t take with other religions,” said Glynis Quinlan, spokeswoman for the Australian Christian Lobby, which promotes Christian values and condemns the image.
The bin Laden print was among more than 500 artworks featured in the Blake Prize for Religious Art, and was included in the exhibition at the National Art School in Sydney.
Not only has the artwork offended Australia’s mostly Christian population, but even the country’s prime minister publicly criticized the piece.
“The choice of such artwork is gratuitously offensive to the religious beliefs of many Australians,” Prime Minister John Howard said to the Daily Telegraph on Thursday.
Meanwhile, the country’s opposition Labor leader Kevin Rudd said, “I accept you know people can have artistic freedom, but I find this painting off, off in the extreme. I understand how people would be offended by it,” he said.
Debate also took place online attracting some 400 comments on the Web site news.com.au.
“One could only compare Osama with Saddam or Hitler, but Jesus came to Earth not to terrorize, but to save mankind,” wrote a blogger identified as Shirley.
The spokesman for the Blake Prize, the Rev. Rod Pattenden, defended the controversial image, saying the goal of the prize was to encourage discussion on spirituality in society.
The artist of the Christ-like bin Laden print, Priscilla Bracks, said she hoped audience might see her work as a juxtaposition of good and evil, and realize her concerns that some might revere bin Laden as a cult figure.
“I’m interested in having a discussion, and asking questions about how we think about our world and what we accept, and what we don’t accept,” Bracks told Australian radio.
The Blake Prize of $12,300 was awarded to Shirley Purdie for “Stations of the Cross” on Wednesday.
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Yet another example of the hypocrisy and cowardice that often rears its head in the arts and media. Marilyn Manson will burn a bible on stage, but if he dared burn a Quran he would have to live under armed guard the rest of his life. Southpark, Family Guy and the rest of the trash on cable television will mock our Savior as a silly cartoon, but dare they make an image of Muhamad? Not likely. Ask Salman Rushdie how it feels living with a Fatwa. Everyone knows you can lampoon the Christians all you want and for the most part, the real ones, will just turn the other cheek. It's like hunting sheep with a high powered rifle and boasting of your hunting prowess. Great job guys. That's real art. You should be proud.
Either Prize and Bracks should not have been so assuming, or they got the attention they wanted.
They made international news.
I like the art piece, thought provoking. I can see the juxtaposition the artist is trying to portray.
Jesus told us we would be persecuted (Matthew 5:11-12):
"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."
There are no "photos" or true "paintings" of Jesus so we may be suprised what Jesus looks like in his triumphal return in glory!
So, why be upset or offended? Is your faith not stronger than that of the world? Have you not been freed from the bondage of this world?
Here is a another great opportunity to reach out and witness to the world the truth of Christ's love and mercy!
All praise, glory and honor to Jesus Christ!