To avoid misunderstanding and controversy, it is better to view art not solely through our own lens but through the lenses of its cultural and historical context.
As a Christian and ordained individual, I understand the importance of recognizing that not all artworks are created with the same religious or cultural meanings that we may personally hold.
The recent controversy over the Paris Olympics tableau, which some initially thought was a parody of Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper,” illustrates the pitfalls of reacting quickly without full context.
The tableau, inspired by the Bacchanal festival and the Greek god Dionysius, was intended to celebrate the spirit of festivity and unity associated with the Olympics, not to reference or critique any religious artwork.
Understanding that the Olympics have their origins in ancient Greek traditions and that the event is hosted in France—a country with its own rich cultural heritage—can help clarify the tableau’s intended message.
French art often draws on classical mythology, and recognizing this broader cultural context is crucial to interpreting the artwork correctly.
As Christians, while our faith deeply informs our worldview, it is important to approach artworks with an openness to their intended cultural and historical meanings.
Viewing art through the context in which it was created allows us to engage with it more respectfully and insightfully, avoiding misunderstandings that arise from projecting our own religious or cultural biases onto it.
Let’s strive to appreciate art within its intended context and approach such expressions with a spirit of understanding and respect for the diverse cultures and traditions that shape them.
Bishop Antonio Ablon of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente (Philippine Independent Church) is presently the Chaplain of St. Catherine’s Anglican Chaplaincy in Stuttgart, Germany of the Diocese in Europe, Church of England. He is a former chaplain to the seafarers in Hamburg, Germany and Bishop of IFI Pagadian. The Philippine Independent Church is a member of the global communion of the Anglican Church. Bishop Ablon is one of the most persecuted church leaders in the Philippines. In 2021, the German government officially granted him asylum.
