Are you offended by this painting? 'Vulgar' artwork showing the Virgin Mary cradling a penis sparks outrage – but museum defends the portrait for 'pushing barriers'
- Painting showing Virgin Mary cradling a penis is being shown Griffith University
- Members of Australian Christian Lobby and Catholic Church want it removed
- University has defended painting which will be shown until the end of the month
A controversial artwork depicting the Virgin Mary cradling a giant penis has sparked outrage, with religious leaders and politicians calling for it to be taken down.
The painting, titled Holy Family by the artist Juan Davila, 73, is currently being showcased in the museum of Griffith University in Queensland.
The portrait will be on public display until the end of the month, but critics are calling for the 'vulgar' painting to be taken down from its exhibition early.
The painting is a crude imitation of Michelangelo's sculpture The Pieta, which features the body of Jesus Christ lying on the lap of Virgin Mary.
The artwork titled Holy Family (pictured) features the Virgin Mary cradling a giant penis on her lay and is currently being showcased in the museum of Griffith University in Queensland
Mr Davila's artwork has come under fire from the Australian Christian Lobby group, with Queensland Director, Wendy Francis labeling it as 'demeaning'.
'I don't think it's only humiliating to Mary, it's humiliating to all women,' Ms Francis told Daily Mail Australia.
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'This is arguably the most famous woman in history. It's not just religious women who would find this offensive,' she said.
Ms Francis said she believed the artwork was offensive to the public and should be removed.
'I don't think it belongs in a public institution such as Griffith University.
'I think it's demeaning to all women, not just to Mary.'
Mark Coleridge, an Archbishop for the Archdiocese of Brisbane said the university's decision to showcase the artwork was 'disappointing'.
Mark Coleridge, (pictured) an Archbishop for the Archdiocese of Brisbane labelled the university's decision to showcase the artwork as 'disappointing'.
'I continue to hope the that Griffith University's Art Museum would choose to show the work of Queensland's many brilliant artists rather than display work that sets out to shock as much as this one does,' Archbishop Coleridge said in a statement to Daily Mail Australia.
'So much more and better is on offer.'
Members of parliament have also spoken out about the confronting painting.
'It is not for politicians to censor freedom of expression but this is clearly in very poor taste, it's vulgar and would be deeply offensive to many Queenslanders,' Dr Christian Rowan MP, Shadow Minister for the Arts said in a statement to Daily Mail Australia.
Mr Davila is well known for his provocative and erotic paintings over his illustrious career.
Angela Goddard, Griffith University (pictured) Museum Director defended the painting, saying art played a crucial role in pushing boundaries
His work has been showcased in Australian museums as well as New York's Museum of Modern Art.
Angela Goddard, the director of Griffith University's Museum defended the controversial painting.
'The role of art is to challenge and push boundaries with the freedom of artistic expression central to that mission,' Ms Goddard said in a statement.
'Griffith University Art Museum understands there are some pieces of art in The Abyss exhibition, which the public may find confronting.
'Upon entry to the exhibition there are clear signs stating that the exhibition contains graphic content with nudity and depictions of violence.'
