Catholic groups allege misrepresentation of Jesus Christ and the Last Supper; Biennale Foundation calls for dialogue amid debate on censorship and artistic freedom.
An artwork on display at the ongoing Kochi-Muziris Biennale (KMB) has triggered sharp protests from Catholic organisations, prompting the Biennale Foundation to temporarily close one of its venues. The contested work, Supper at a Nunnery by artist Tom Vattakuzhy, exhibited at the Garden Convention Centre as part of the “Edam” exhibition, is alleged to misrepresent Leonardo da Vinci’s iconic depiction of The Last Supper.
The artwork is based on theatrical story titled Mridvangi’s Tragic Death, and features Mata Hari—the Dutch dancer and convicted spy executed by the French Army. Social media posts from members of the Kerala Latin Catholic Association accused the work of “mocking the Holy Mass” and demanded its immediate removal.
Biennale President Bose Krishnamachari confirmed that the venue would remain closed for a few days due to security concerns and ongoing consultations with community representatives. “We are engaging in dialogue with the concerned groups. The Biennale Foundation stands for artistic freedom while being mindful of religious sensitivities,” he said.
In their statement, curators Aiswarya Suresh and K.M. Madhusudanan defended the inclusion of the work, explaining that the piece reimagines Mata Hari’s final moments and incorporates symbolism associated with her life as both an artist and a condemned woman. “The use of nudity in the work arises from the historical and narrative context associated with Mata Hari,” they noted, warning that “removal would amount to censorship, contrary to the principles of cultural dialogue that KMB upholds.”
Religious representatives, however, maintain that the visual resonances with The Last Supper are deeply offensive to Christian believers. Fr Michael Pulickal, secretary of the KCBC Jagratha Commission, stated: “We respect creative freedom, but comparing a sacred event with a secular or erotic narrative hurts the sentiments of the faithful.” The Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council (KCBC) has filed a complaint with the Chief Minister and the Minister for Culture, seeking a probe into the artwork’s inclusion.
In response to the controversy, artist Tom Vattakuzhy said the work embodies Christian ethical values rather than mocking them. “My art springs from a space of tenderness and empathy—principles deeply aligned with Christian humanism,” he said, adding that his practice draws from early Renaissance influences and moral reflection rather than provocation.
The Biennale organisers have clarified that the closure of the venue is temporary and primarily precautionary, citing the police’s inability to guarantee sufficient protection during New Year festivities. “We remain committed to ensuring a space for critical expression and dialogue,” Krishnamachari emphasised.
The incident reignites a recurring debate in India’s contemporary art scene—how far artistic interpretation can go before crossing into perceived irreverence.
Athmaja Biju is the Editor at Abir Pothi. She is a Translator and Writer working on Visual Culture.
