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Christian Groups Fuming Over Artwork Of Virgin Mary Cradling Massive Penis At Aussie Exhibition

Christian Groups Fuming Over Artwork Of Virgin Mary Cradling Massive Penis At Aussie Exhibition

"This is arguably the most famous woman in history. It's not just religious women who would find this offensive."

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie

It's no secret that certain characters, scenes, books and places in most, if not all, religions are held sacred.

They include Jesus, the Torah, Mecca, Char Dham...the list is pretty endless and we're told to respect that these things are not to be mocked, ridiculed or used for anything but praise and adoration.

Well, one artist has certainly got under the skin of Christians across Australia after debuting an artwork at Griffith University.

Juan Davila

While the photo above is censored, it's not hard to see why this has caused such a stir: at it's most basis level, this is an artwork of the Virgin Mary cradling an almighty and enormous penis.

The painting, titled Holy Family by the artist Juan Davila, has been chucked up in a museum at the Queensland university and there are loads of people who want it taken down.

Australian Christian Lobby group, with Queensland Director, Wendy Francis told the Daily Mail: "I don't think it's only humiliating to Mary, it's humiliating to all women.

"This is arguably the most famous woman in history. It's not just religious women who would find this offensive.

Channel 9

"I don't think it belongs in a public institution such as Griffith University. I think it's demeaning to all women, not just to Mary."

There are a lot of voices calling for it to be taken down, even from the state government, who has called it 'vulgar' and 'in poor taste'.

However it seems like it's going to stay

Griffith University's Museum director Angela Goddard said in a statement: "The role of art is to challenge and push boundaries with the freedom of artistic expression central to that mission.

"Griffith University Art Museum understands there are some pieces of art in The Abyss exhibition, which the public may find confronting.

Juan Davila

"Upon entry to the exhibition there are clear signs stating that the exhibition contains graphic content with nudity and depictions of violence."

While the artist hasn't spoken about the controversy, his agent has strongly defended his client's right to create art in this way.

Speaking to 9 News, Kalli Rolfe said: "To try to remove a work from an exhibition is the tactics of a dictatorship rather than a democracy. Juan Davila is one of Australia's most revered and prominent artists.

"This work challenges the hypocrisy of the church."

Time will tell if the painting stays up but it seems like there is enough support for it to hang.

Featured Image Credit: Juan Davila

Topics: News, Australia

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