Vienna: A prayer rally was held outside the Künstlerhaus Vereinigung in Vienna on the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, as Catholic faithful gathered to protest an art exhibition they say gravely insults core elements of the Christian faith. The demonstration targeted the exhibition titled “Du sollst dir ein Bild machen” (“You shall make yourself an image”), currently on display at the prominent cultural venue.
Organizers of the rally said the exhibition crosses the line from artistic expression into deliberate provocation, pointing in particular to works depicting a crucified frog and a portrayal of the Virgin Mary as a transgender figure. According to them, such representations amount to a direct affront to Catholic beliefs and sacred imagery.
The protest was organized by the Austrian Society for the Protection of Tradition, Family, and Private Property (TFP). Participants prayed the rosary and carried placards calling for an immediate end to what they described as blasphemous content. Demonstrators argued that the exhibition strikes “at the very heart of the Catholic faith,” citing artworks they believe mock central Christian symbols, including a parody of Christ’s crucifixion, a bearded figure dressed as the Mother of God holding a child, and a nude reinterpretation of the Pietà.
Alongside the public rally, the Austrian TFP launched an online petition demanding the exhibition’s closure. The campaign has attracted signatures not only from within Austria but also from supporters abroad, including backing from the American branch of TFP, signaling that the controversy has resonated internationally.
Exhibition organisers, however, have firmly rejected the criticism. The management of the Künstlerhaus defended the show, stating that calls for its closure undermine constitutionally protected artistic freedom. In a joint statement issued on December 2, artistic director and curator Günther Oberhollenzer and Künstlerhaus Vereinigung president Tanja Prušnik said Austria’s commitment to freedom of art is a cornerstone of its democratic culture, enabling critical reflection and open dialogue within society.
They maintained that the exhibition was never intended to offend religious sentiments. Acknowledging that some viewers may feel disturbed or hurt by certain works, they argued that provocation in art is subjective. According to them, many visitors, including Christians and senior Catholic clergy, have responded positively, engaging in what they described as respectful and meaningful discussions around the themes presented.
The exhibition also received support from Bishop Hermann Glettler of Innsbruck, who publicly praised the display. In a statement shared on Instagram, the bishop referred to the controversial pieces, including the crucified frog, as expressions of humanity’s ongoing struggle to grapple with the mystery of God amid suffering and brokenness in the world.
The artwork depicting a crucified frog is not new to controversy. When it was exhibited in Bolzano, Italy, in 2008, it sparked international debate and prompted intervention from Pope Benedict XVI. In a letter addressed to the president of the South Tyrolean Regional Council at the time, the late pontiff said the piece deeply offended the religious sensibilities of many believers who venerate the cross as a sacred symbol of God’s love and salvation.
Despite the papal appeal, the exhibit remained on display then and has now resurfaced in Vienna, once again igniting a sharp debate over the boundaries between artistic freedom and respect for religious faith.