[Gymnfacymoota]

By LARRY McSHANE, Associated Press Writer Fri Mar 30, 4:59 PM ET
NEW YORK - A planned Holy Week exhibition of a nude, anatomically correct chocolate sculpture of Jesus Christ was canceled Friday after Cardinal Edward Egan and other outraged Catholics complained.


The "My Sweet Lord" display was shut down by the hotel that houses the Lab Gallery in midtown Manhattan. Roger Smith Hotel president James Knowles cited the public outcry for his decision.

The reaction "is crystal clear and has brought to our attention the unintended reaction of you and other conscientious friends of ours to the exhibition," Knowles wrote in the two-paragraph cancellation notice.

Matt Semler, the gallery's creative director, resigned in protest.

The six-foot sculpture was the victim of "a strong-arming from people who haven't seen the show, seen what we're doing," Semler said. "They jumped to conclusions completely contrary to our intentions."

But word of the confectionary Christ infuriated Catholics, including Egan, who described it as "a sickening display." Bill Donohue, head of the watchdog Catholic League, said it was "one of the worst assaults on Christian sensibilities ever."

The hotel and the gallery were overrun Thursday with angry phone calls and e-mails about the exhibit. Semler said the calls included death threats over the work of artist Cosimo Cavallaro, who was described as disappointed by the decision to cancel the display.

"In this situation, the hotel couldn't continue to be supportive because of a fear for their own safety," Semler said.

The sculpture was to debut Monday evening, the day after Palm Sunday and just four days before Christians mark the crucifixion of Jesus Christ on Good Friday. The final day of the exhibit was planned for Easter Sunday.

The artwork was created from more than 200 pounds of milk chocolate, and features Christ with his arms outstretched as if on an invisible cross. Unlike the typical religious portrayal of Christ, the Cavallaro creation does not include a loincloth.

Cavallaro hoped the sculpture could go on display elsewhere, according to Semler.

Cavallaro is best known for his quirky work with food as art: Past efforts include repainting a Manhattan hotel room in melted mozzarella, spraying five tons of pepper jack cheese on a Wyoming home, and festooning a four-poster bed with 312 pounds of processed ham.

[yK2VgoEI]

Not like they wanted to make him out of dung... pretty sure Jesus had a penis. Really requires photos:



Looks like of like a burn victim though. That's gross.

[LICraig]

I had wanted to check this out on Monday- it's just down the street.

Can't help but be reminded of the Chris Ofili/Brooklyn Museum hullabaloo.

Semler said the calls included death threats over the work of artist Cosimo Cavallaro, How very Christian of them. Some of those same people probably try to paint Muslims as fanatics.

[tq4F7YKs]

Death threats aren't Christian. Must be phony Christians.

[LesLattis]

Hypocritical invective seems pretty Christian to me.

[Karinochka]

Hypocritical invective seems pretty Christian to me.

Only if you mistake phony Christians for real ones.

[Clunlippibe]

I'd say he looks more like a chocolate-dipped business man.

Here he is... complete with nutrition facts.

[Belindanan]

I guess we won't be seeing a reprise, the Immaculate Confection.

I'm glad it wasn't a Chocolate Mohammed.

[Progniusis]

I'd say he looks more like a chocolate-dipped business man.

Seriously, Jesus isn't Jesus without the hair.

[Kimaamighed]

Yes the hair... and I want my Jesus with blue eyes, good dental work and a nice blouson by Dolce&Gabbana....

http://www2.jsonline.com:80/letsgo/m...yhunterbig.jpg

[Lapsiks]

Oh dear, as if he had not had enough problems...

[gundas]

Oh dear, as if he had not had enough problems...

Viewing that image once again I am reminded the comic remark posted earlier (by ZippyTC) and get a good chuckle ...... 'the immaculate confection'

That one just cracks me up!

[zibTefapparia]

Some people are so freaking sensitive.

[casinobonbiner]

Not like they wanted to make him out of dung... pretty sure Jesus had a penis.

It is important to have a penis on a chocolate jesus!!!!


Irony being (in more ways than one), why does it look like a caucasian Jesus?

[6M8PJigS]

Irony being (in more ways than one), why does it look like a caucasian Jesus?

Duh... because Man created God in his own image.

Meet the artist:
Cosimo Cavallaro in the Artnet.com offices, 2002


Source:
http://www.artnet.com/magazine/featu...nson3-26-4.asp

[secondmortgages]

Found on the home page of Cosimo Cavallaro's brand new website:



Source: http://www.cosimocavallaro.com/

[stastony]

Um.....

Why is he giving us the "hidden finger"?

(The artist, that is...)

[cefunonge]

All that chocolate... And Easter is right around the corner.

[blankostaroe]

Looks like somebody helped himself (or herself) to an early treat.


(Hey, Omega, aren't you supposed to be in forensics class right now?)

[xochex]

yeah... at 7:05. Why you gotta remind me!