Author: A. F. Nazareth
Publication: The Examiner
Date: October 22, 2005
Sir, M. F. Husain, it appears has a penchant
for ridiculing religions with his paintings. His latest hit 'The Last Supper'
which fetched a whopping Rs 9 crore at a private sale, is yet another blasphemy
and insult hurled at Christians. Not long ago, Husain found himself in deep
trouble for hi. controversial painting of goddess Saraswati in the nude. Now
it is the turn of the Christians, with his diabolical painting of the 'Last
Supper', featuring Christ in the company of an angel, a devil, an empty cup,
a woman in headgear, an African woman and an old bearded man, which are meant
to symbolise hunger and betrayal of hunger-ravaged Africa. The entire setting
is weird and a mockery of the Lord's Passover banquet.
For Christians, the Last Supper is sacred,
and more than a memorial meal with the 12 Apostles. It acquired a new meaning
of sacrifice and covenant after Jesus used bread and wine to symbolise His
body and blood which would be given up on the Cross, for the salvation of
mankind. This memorial is recalled every time we celebrate Mass. Husain's
painting has none of the above elements, and a different theme altogether.
Freedom of creative art and expression does not entitle Husain to misrepresent
facts of other religions in his paintings. Husain has therefore done a grave
disservice to the Christians, and therefore needs to apologise for violating
the sanctity of the Last Supper, and hurting the sentiments of the community.
