La Civilizacion Occidental y Cristiana (Western and Cristian Civilization)

Leon Ferrari
1965
Latin American Art
Private collection

"La Civilizacion Occidental y Cristiana" by Leon Ferrari, created in 1965, is a provocative and politically charged artwork that critiques the intersection of religion and violence. The piece features a crucifixion scene, with Jesus mounted on a fighter jet instead of a traditional cross. This juxtaposition of sacred imagery with a symbol of modern warfare highlights Ferrari's condemnation of the ways in which religious rhetoric has been used to justify violence, particularly in the context of Western imperialism. The artwork, held in a private collection, challenges viewers to reflect on the contradictions between the teachings of Christianity and the actions taken in its name.