Tis Easter

Offended I should think, as will any Christians viewing.

Well said, Stephen - I agree.

Very poor taste mark. I can see you have some talent, so I'm sure you could do better than go for the shock factor.

I think this painting is brilliant, and any negative comments are more a reflection of naivete than of the work itself. A defensive religious perspective is uninformed: instead this work seems to celebrate the many forms of religion that society recognises - including Christianity - without singling any of them out for special recognition. You only have to familiarise yourself across the different pantheons of religion that exist to realise that 'the last supper' is a theme that runs through a considerable number of them, in one way or another. Animal totenism is not a new idea. Happy Easter everyone.

I wonder how Eunice sees Easter? Obviously we Christians are uninformed if we see this painting as offensive!

All creatures great and small. like it.

I wonder what the response would be if someone ridiculed an Islamic festival?

How sad to view such a beautiful painting as ridiculous in any sense of the word. How do you know, for example, that Christianity isn't stealing the idea of the last supper from the teddy bears? In other words, there are obviously other social constructions surrouding this painting that people aren't considering! I suggest people would benefit greatly from broadening their perspective a little and standing outside the white european construct of what art is.

Mark,I really like your painting. I don't know if there was intentional symbolism, but to me it represents the lack of compassion shown by centuries of christianity towards ethnic minorities and all the animals of the world which have been shamefully and relentlessly exploited and persecuted. Well done.

Its also intersting to note for those whom have kindly posted (i accept all your views) that over the years there have been many reproductions of this painting from Star wars to South park to using supermodels. However my research has also shown that over the milieu that earlier depictions show vast quantities of food upon the table, perhaps indicative of more wealth or the development of globalisation as seen in the array of types of food or perhaps symbolicaly showing a richness in spirit. However in this version the corpereal table is a little light for reasons i leave to your musings...

I can see it from both points of view. I accept that committed Christians could be offended but I also know nothing of any other depictions of the Last Supper other than the conventional ones, so can't comment. Perhaps I will confine myself to saying that the painting is very well executed and the animals are nicely painted. Eunice - you are entitled to your opinion but I don't think you are entitled to lecture people about their views. Now that offends me in a way that the painting doesn't.

! Refer the comments on the benefits of a broader perspective. This will assuage any feelings of offence, if you can achieve that mindset. Truly. You may disagree in the here and now, but if you concentrate on developing that ability it will free you up, over time. That's not a lecture, it's just the way of the world.