Artwork mocking Jesus draws fire
A TOP PRIVATE school that prides itself on its “Christian ethos” has come under fire from parents and the Christian community after allowing a Grade 12 learner to display several works of art that mocked Jesus as a clown at its end of year prize-giving ceremony.
A video made by an angry parent of a learner at Grantleigh School near Richards Bay in KwaZulu-Natal went viral on social media and caused a backlash against the school that yesterday had to issue a statement.
According to its website, Grantleigh Schools is an independent school and a member of the Curro Group that has a “Christian ethos and is set in a tranquil country environment offering old world values with new world standards”.
A parent who did not give his name said he loved the school and the teachers but was so upset by the project that he could not stand around during the ceremony at the school this week.
The artwork includes several drawings where the Ronald McDonald clown has been inserted into various famous Christian paintings like the Last Supper and the
Creation of Adam. There are drawings of demons and one artwork has a Bible that has been torn apart and moulded into the busts of demons.
“It’s a disgrace. It broke my heart to see that you allowed this in this school,” the parent said in the video.
Andrew Norris, the Grantleigh executive head, said in a statement yesterday that they were aware of the social media outcry and an internal investigation had been launched.
“The project filmed and featured is part of a final submission and was displayed in the school foyer as part of the year-end exhibition,” Norris said.
“We have taken cognisance of the allegations made on social media; the matter is currently subject to an internal investigation. We want to reiterate that comments made are not an accurate reflection of our school and the situation referred to and we reserve our rights in this regard. Curro welcomes all comments that are constructive and contribute to discussions in a meaningful manner. However, we do not condone cyber-bullying, religious intolerance, hate speech, derogatory language, misrepresentation and comments reflecting negatively on our brand on any social media pages,” he said.
In response to the school’s statement, some parents took to its Facebook page.
Natasha Dhaver said: “Where was the guidance of the art teacher or school management? Unacceptable response from the school.”
Erika Nortier said: “Shocked that you willingly associate with such a project, so proudly displaying something that does not fit your ethos. Shocked that you are shocked by social media responses and outcries. Shocked that you will celebrate such work.”
Beryllu Zwaanenburg added: “Okay, so my thoughts will probably disgust some too, but hell, this post is out there for comment so here goes… My view is that they’re showing what the word is becoming. Ronald McDonald represents people who will save money by buying obviously unhealthy food (love for money being more important than the love for our own body which is a temple). Yes, we have been taught that tearing up the bible is unholy but remember these are Grade 12s, not primary school kids who created this to make the point that the world is moving towards evil. I take my hat off to them and the school for taking this brave step, regardless of the obvious backlash.”