Kochi Biennale controversy: Artwork pulled after protests over religious sentiments

Kochi: A painting by artist Tom Vattakuzhy was withdrawn from display at the Kochi-Muziris Biennale after protests alleging it hurt religious sentiments, organisers said on Monday.

The work had been exhibited at the Garden Convention Centre, one of the Biennale’s venues. Authorities temporarily closed the space after complaints that the painting insulted the depiction of the ‘Last Supper of Jesus Christ’. The venue later reopened once the artwork was removed.

In a statement, the Kochi Biennale Foundation said the curator and the artist had jointly decided to pull the work “in respect of public sentiment and in the larger public interest”. The foundation said that while it remained committed to freedom of expression and curatorial autonomy, it fully supported the decision and confirmed the piece would not return to display.

The Syro-Malabar Church had alleged that the painting demeaned the ‘Last Supper’ in the name of artistic freedom. The KCBC Vigilance Commission filed a complaint with the Chief Minister and the Culture Minister seeking action, while Congress workers staged a protest outside the gallery demanding the removal of the painting.

Responding to the controversy, Vattakuzhy said the piece was originally created as an illustration for a play and described the backlash as unfortunate. He said the work relied on symbols, colours and light to evoke memories and emotional responses — a method he uses across his practice. “The allegations made against the painting are regrettable,” he said.