Spring Break
A chocolate Jesus and Obama Christ
Our View
Issue date: 4/4/07 Section: Viewpoint
Jeannette Marquis Columnist
Kristen Kligis Columnist
Mick Swasko Columnist
Mary Yurgil Editor in Chief
It is the time of year for hidden plastic eggs, massive amounts of jelly beans and large, intimidating rabbits that hold your children at the mall.
And it is also Easter.
Whether you celebrate the holiday or not, it is a safe bet you may trip over the baskets filled with overpriced children's toys while shopping for food.
However, this year, there are a few different obscure decorations that seem to be making the news.
Enter Chocolate Christ, and Barack Obama Jesus.
Two separate art exhibits, one from a student at Chicago's Art Institute and the other from sculptor Cosimo Cavallaro, depict the Christian figure in unusual ways.
The first, by Chicagoan David Cordero, shows Jesus in the likeness of a paper mache Barack Obama, complete with a neon-blue halo.
While Obama's camp has said the senator is for free speech but isn't a fan of "art that offends religious sensibilities," the dean of the school has said reaction to the piece has been mostly positive, and has attracted potential buyers. The Archdiocese of Chicago has refused to comment on the piece, as they have not had a chance to view it yet.
Meanwhile, halfway across the country, another artistic rendering of the religious figure is causing a bit more controversy.
"My Sweet Lord," a nude sculpture made out of milk chocolate, has had its exhibition cancelled after complaints from many Catholics in New York.
The hotel in which the art was on display removed the exhibit "because of fear of their own safety."
What is interesting about the two pieces is the difference in public reaction to them.
Obama as Jesus doesn't seem to be receiving much scornful cries of sacreligiousness. It seems as though it is easier to accept the junior senator from Illinois as a savior than one made of milk chocolate.
Kristen Kligis Columnist
Mick Swasko Columnist
Mary Yurgil Editor in Chief
It is the time of year for hidden plastic eggs, massive amounts of jelly beans and large, intimidating rabbits that hold your children at the mall.
And it is also Easter.
Whether you celebrate the holiday or not, it is a safe bet you may trip over the baskets filled with overpriced children's toys while shopping for food.
However, this year, there are a few different obscure decorations that seem to be making the news.
Enter Chocolate Christ, and Barack Obama Jesus.
Two separate art exhibits, one from a student at Chicago's Art Institute and the other from sculptor Cosimo Cavallaro, depict the Christian figure in unusual ways.
The first, by Chicagoan David Cordero, shows Jesus in the likeness of a paper mache Barack Obama, complete with a neon-blue halo.
While Obama's camp has said the senator is for free speech but isn't a fan of "art that offends religious sensibilities," the dean of the school has said reaction to the piece has been mostly positive, and has attracted potential buyers. The Archdiocese of Chicago has refused to comment on the piece, as they have not had a chance to view it yet.
Meanwhile, halfway across the country, another artistic rendering of the religious figure is causing a bit more controversy.
"My Sweet Lord," a nude sculpture made out of milk chocolate, has had its exhibition cancelled after complaints from many Catholics in New York.
The hotel in which the art was on display removed the exhibit "because of fear of their own safety."
What is interesting about the two pieces is the difference in public reaction to them.
Obama as Jesus doesn't seem to be receiving much scornful cries of sacreligiousness. It seems as though it is easier to accept the junior senator from Illinois as a savior than one made of milk chocolate.
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