‘Mcjesus’ sculpture stirs anger

Israeli Christians slam Finnish artist’s ‘anti-capitalist’ crucifixion sculpture

AN AUDACIOUS exhibition in Haifa which featured a crucified fast food franchise mascot as Jesus has ignited the anger of Israeli Christians but received the nod of approval from South African artists.

Ronald Mcdonald was sculpted by Finnish artist Jani Leinonen and renamed “Mcjesus” before it went on show as part of the exhibition in Israel.

The sculpture sparked protests and resulted in an online petition calling for its removal. Protesters said it was offensive and an insult to the country’s Arab Christian minority.

The museum defended the piece and refused to take it down, citing freedom of expression. South Africa is familiar with artwork perceived as degrading and controversial. Former president Jacob Zuma has featured in a number of paintings which left his supporters livid.

Themba Shibase, a lecturer in fine arts and jewellery design at the Durban University of Technology, said the most fundamental principle of art or creativity was to think outside of the box.

“Art must be seen within the context in which it is made if we want to determine its fuller meaning.

“The viewer brings their own baggage to art interpretation and this is where things can sometimes go wrong.”

Shibase said a staunch Christian