CarnalNation

Artists have imagined the life of Jesus Christ for two millennia, often with reverence but sometimes with a freedom that has been called heresy. A recent exhibition of photographs by the young artist Fernando Bayona at the University of Granada in Spain has continued this tradition. Entitled Circus Christi, Bayona's suite of elaborately staged photographs depict the life and death of a contemporary Jesus, from his medically assisted birth in a well-appointed hospital delivery room to his first sexual exploration with Mary Magdalen and then ultimately to his discovery of (and betrayal by) homosexuality. Along the way to Calvary, Bayona's Jesus tastes sex, drugs, and even joins a rock band. To be sure, the photographs have raised eyebrows and alarm in very Catholic Spain, especially in the conservative province of Andalusia. Indeed, the exhibition has created enough of a scandal for the University to shut it down prematurely.

In a tersely worded press release, University of Granada officials defend the closure of the exhibition, which was supposed to run from February 11 through March 5, by claiming that they cannot guarantee the safety of exhibition viewers. Since the opening reception, several Catholic organizations and some extremist groups have called for the exhibition to be banned. The artist has even received several death threats. "I knew it could have a significant impact, but I never imagined we would come to such extremes," said Bayona during a press conference. Would-be viewers will have to judge the works of art for themselves. Does Bayona's work capture an essence of the Son of God or does it merely seek to enflame tensions and create controversry? The entire cycle is available on Bayona's website, and several of his controversial images have been posted below.