[Sportschosun] Reporter Jang Jong-ho — A restored statue of Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary in Brazil has sparked controversy after it was altered to look like a cartoon character.
Residents strongly criticized the work, calling it an eyesore. Yet word spread quickly, and the area has unexpectedly seen an influx of tourists.
According to local media outlets including G1, the sculpture titled "The Passion of Christ," located in a square in Carmo do Cajuru, Minas Gerais, Brazil, was recently restored and unveiled to the public.
Residents then began voicing their outrage.
That was because the faces of the sculptures, including Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary, were depicted with exaggerated pupils, sharply arched eyebrows, and vivid red lips.
The figures had been transformed into something that looked like characters from a cartoon.
Local residents and believers expressed their displeasure, saying the restoration had "damaged its sacredness" and was "an eyesore that is hard to look at."
Parishioners who commissioned the restoration also strongly criticized the work, calling it "damaging-level work."
The diocese later acknowledged that it had caused discomfort to many believers and residents. It removed the controversial paint and returned the sculpture to its original white state.
One official said, "The facial features were painted in a completely wrong way, so we immediately took steps to restore it." He added, "We are now looking for a new artist who can properly restore the old sculpture."
Ironically, the controversy drew even more tourists to the area during the same period.
According to local media, about 250,000 visitors from outside the region came to the site after the restoration dispute. Some reportedly laughed and took photos, while others visited to pray.
Jang Jong-ho bellho@sportschosun.com
