Artist’s controversial ‘Last Supper’ painting withdrawn from Kochi-Muziris Biennale after protests

A painting by Kerala-born, Qatar-based artist Tom Vattakuzhy was withdrawn from the Edam exhibition at the Kochi-Muziris Biennale after protests from Christian groups, including the Syro-Malabar Church, which claimed it hurt religious sentiments.

Earlier, the Garden Convention Centre, one of the exhibition venues, was temporarily closed. It was reopened on Sunday.

The work, which reimagined Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘The Last Supper’ with a half-naked Mata Hari replacing Jesus and nuns in place of the disciples, had previously stirred controversy in 2016 when it appeared in a literary magazine.

Following discussions chaired by the Sub Collector, the artist and Edam curator chose to withdraw the painting “out of respect for public sentiment and the interest of the common good”. The Kochi Biennale Foundation said it respects the decision while reaffirming its commitment to artistic and curatorial freedom.

KBF president Bose Krishnamachari had earlier defended the artwork, noting that it was part of the artist’s narrative series, many of which were previously published in Malayalam outlets, and was inspired by a short story rooted in historical events. He warned that removing it could constitute censorship.

The painting will no longer be on display at the Biennale.