An American art museum says it hopes a special portrait of Pope Benedict XVI made from colourful condoms will begin a conversation about AIDS in African countri
The Milwaukee Art Museum, in Wisconsin, has put the picture on display in a hope to start public discussions, according to the museum's director Dan Keegan.
The controversial art piece has received around 200 complaints and the Milwaukee Catholic Archbishop, Jerome Listecki, said the museum had been callous and the portrait was insulting in a blog last week, according to The Times of India.
Named 'Eggs Benedict' the work, made of around 17,000 condoms, will go on display in November.
The artist behind the work, Niki Johnson, said she made it two years ago as a response to Pope Benedict's position against the use of condoms.
The pontiff did relax his stance, saying condoms could be tolerated to stop the AIDS epidemic.
The museum says there has been more support than criticism: "We look forward to continuing the dialogue around this work and the role art plays in society," Keegan said.
A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference
In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.
Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.
For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.
Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.
Support Us
Article by Hannah Tooley
Hannah Tooley is a multimedia journalist for Premier.
