'The Last Supper' parody turning heads in Old Town

San Diego Union-Tribune ^ | April 2, 2009 | Diane Bell

[MuttTheHoople]

Why don’t we have Porky Pig portray Mohammed copulating in his 9 year old wife played by TweetyBird?

[DeLaine]

I think it’s blasphemous

[TexasRepublic]

Some people have no sense of humor.

[CraigKausen]

I was sent a link to this thread yesterday. My name is Craig Kausen and I am Chuck Jones’ grandson. I operate the galleries that is presenting ‘The Gathering’ by Tarnowski.

I hope that everyone who has posted or followed this thread will read this entire post (long as it is.)

I have read many blog posts and have spoken with many people about their feelings about the painting. First of all, I applaud everyone who has stated their feelings and thoughts about it and their interpretations of the motivation and meaning.

I can understand from just looking at the painting it might be perceived as irreverent or mocking of an historical depiction by Da Vinci portraying an important moment in the Christian faith. However, just like any work of art, it is important to look beyond the surface and find out what the motivation of the artist was when it was created.

First of all, Glen Tarnowski is one of the most devout Christian men I have ever had the honor of knowing. His entire purpose for creating his artwork is to raise the human spirit and to inspire the human heart.

When I spoke with him about the painting, he explained that he imagined what if we were all living in world where we were all cartoon characters. He said that God's love for us is so strong that no matter what we are God would want to Gather us to Him. Thus the name of the painting ‘The Gathering’. He also said that many of us sometimes lose sight of the meaning behind a symbol like a painting and that it is perfect opportunity to revisit the deeper meaning behind these wonderful symbols.

My observation of this man is that his Faith is so strong and so pure, that the respect he has for Da Vinci and even more so for his Christian Faith, there is absolutely no irreverence in this painting. Rather, there is passion for and love of God and Faith instilled in it from Glen.

As for the timing of the painting, it was created months ago and it was displayed weeks ago. I believe the timing of the coverage and reaction is based upon those that have seen it in recent weeks in San Diego.

By chance, I did speak with a Catholic Priest down the street from the gallery when the reactions started to arise. I told him about the artist, about the painting, and asked for his thoughts. He said he thought it sounded wonderful. Although he said it was a bit far to go take a look right then (being in his 80s), he promised he would stop by to see it in person. I will follow up with him soon.

I am glad to hear (as I have already) any and all opinions and speak with anyone who would be interested.

You can email me at craig at chuckjones.com if you'd like to contact me.

With respect,

Craig Kausen

[Future Snake Eater]

Cool collection there. I’ve always loved the BSG version.

[nufsed]

On a side note: If you go to Milan to see the painting, it's in the old dining room. DV painted it so that Christ had his hands out and his feet crossed at the ankles, the crucified Christ.

When the French army came through they used the room for a stable. Had to cut the door a little higher to get some of the horses through. Cut off the bottom of the painting puting an arch in the door and eliminated the feet of Jesus.

[antidisestablishment]

It's rare to see a principal appear to discuss a post. I hope people will be respectful. Those who aren't are not representative of the majority here.

I have no problem with the painting or the motivation. It's not obscene or blasphemous. Are you also playing "What if Cartoons were Saved" by Chris Rice? Some people are too easily offended. My God is big enough to laugh.