In Spain, a provocative portrayal of Jesus Christ for Easter week promotion ignites a firestorm among Seville's traditionalist Catholic community. The artwork, showcasing a semi-nude Jesus with a beard and long locks, draped in white against a vivid red background, was the brainchild of local artist Salustiano Garcia. This visual, intended to capture the essence of Holy Week's celebratory spirit as seen through Garcia's acclaimed artistic lens, has sparked widespread debate. Holy Week, a time for commemorating Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection, is a period of significant festivities in Seville, marked notably by elaborate processions.
The organizing council for the city's Easter celebrations praised the poster for reflecting the jubilant aspect of the week through Garcia's distinctive artistry. Juan Espadas, leader of Spain's Socialist party and Seville's ex-mayor, championed the piece as a fusion of heritage and contemporary flair. The Archbishop of Seville echoed this sentiment, framing it as a matter of artistic expression.
Critics, however, lambasted the image for its implied sensuality. A conservative Catholic group branded it as a disgrace, critiquing its 'effeminate' and 'exaggeratedly theatrical' nature, and called for an apology from Garcia. Javier Navarro of the Vox party criticized it as a shallow attempt at provocation, undermining the intent to foster engagement with Holy Week traditions.
Garcia, in response to the backlash and speaking to a conservative newspaper, cited his son as the muse for his depiction, dismissing any sexual interpretations as absurd. He argued that his portrayal was in line with historical artistic representations of Christ.
The controversy has led to a significant online petition demanding the withdrawal of the poster, gathering over 12,000 signatures within just a few days, leaving the artwork's destiny in question.
Jean Dubreil