Uruguay’s artist Federico Arnaud presents his work ‘El juego de los Milagros’ (The match of the wonders), a table soccer with Catholic Saints and Jesus as keeper, in the exhibition ‘Rundlederwelten’ (The world of the round leather) in Berlin’s Martin-Gropius-Bau exhibition center Monday, Oct. 17, 2005. The exhibition to celebrate the soccer World Cup 2006 opens on Thursday, Oct. 20 through Jan. 8, 2006. (AP Photo/Sven Kaestner) [Source] [Via Friary Notes]
I am torn between hating this and wanting one for myself.
18 comments
I hate it – we should not be putting the crucifix or the saints on a game like that. Very sacriligious (or is it blasphemous (sp)?) to me.
I know what you mean about the mixed feelings. It gets to the question of what sort of art is acceptable or not. It doesn’t seem that Arnaud is attempting to be blasphemous here.
Here is what another article says of the piece.
“A similar strategy appears in Federico Arnaud�s (Uruguay) installation titled El juego de los milagros (The game of miracles), where images of Jesus and the apostles are used in a soccer match. The artist makes use of Christian religious iconography in order to convey his concern for the Latin American identity.”
There is another picture at http://www.arteuy.com/uy/Arnaud/fredericoBioenglish.htm/
If you look at this second picture, it is clear that the piece is not intended to be “played” with as a normal foosball table. Indeed, is it a whole lot different from those pictures of Jesus playing soccer or other sports available at various Catholic bookstores?
Perhaps a couple of Bible verses could help:
“Am I my brother’s keeper?” (Genesis 4:9)
“It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a soccer ball to get past me.” (slightly adapted from Matthew 10: 17-27)
And one appropriate verse for those British and European versions:
‘Then Jesus turned and said to the crowds, “Have you come out as if to fight with a robber, with swords and bludgeons…’ (Matthew 26:55)
And I can feel a few bumper stickers coming on:
“Get your kicks with Jesus”
“Jesus: Your best defense”
A friend from college had a “Jesus Saves” t-shirt, with Jesus stopping a ball from making a goal.
It is no doubt sacrilegious; like Jesus would put up his skates and number ‘9’ jersey to play soccer…yeah, right. It�s just another attempt by the soccer lobby to persuade us into believing that soccer is a real sport. I�m not buying it. 😉
I agree Rick. Aussie Rules is the only true religion, eh I mean code of football. (at least in my neck of the woods)
I must have one.
Well at least you could expect fair play and no trash talking with this group.
My vote would be yes… if the “ball” they were kicking about was the collective sin of the world.
Plus I’m a bit of a sucker for hand sculpted things.
Do they have this available yet for CURLING enthusiasts??
I don’t think it’s sacrilegious at all. I actually think it’s a very clever way to highlight the importance of futbol in many cultures the world over–it is religion.
An oldie but goody:
“Jesus Saves!”
“And Gretsky scores on the rebound!”
I think it’s terrible. Jesus, our Divine Savior is not to be turned into a toy.
OKAY I want one. And I have to admit I like Archie McPhee’s punching nuns. I dunno…yeah, secular folks want to mock ..but priests have been known to box and the saints, I am sure they were characters. Unless, the item is patently offensive like a toliet plunger, condom etc…I don’t have a problem I think it’s a SIGN Catholicism is saturating the culture. I remember PAPA potato chips when JPII was in Mexico.
Who’s on the opposing team? Well-known heretics from history led by the devil?
Christine has given me a thought…
“The Anti-Ecumenical Chess Set”
On one side, Christ and Our Lady, flanked by bishops, knights, and cathedrals, with Jesuits as pawns.
On the other, Satan and Lilith, flanked by heretic bishops, protestant knights, and masonic lodges, with other jesuits as pawns.
Reminds me of The Man Show’s Nativity Foosball Set. Baby Jesus as goalie….
Well, the game would clearly be one-sided, that’s for sure.
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