Crucified Santa gains few fans for B.C. artist
METCHOSIN, B.C. (CP) — A Vancouver Island artist has put an effigy of a crucified Santa Claus on his front lawn, causing some neighbours to complain it’s traumatizing their children.
Jimmy Wright said the figure is intended to be a comment on society’s growing appetite for consumer goods.
"I don’t know how it came into my mind but I thought I’m going to take Santa Claus and I’m going to crucify him."
Wright said his latest work is not for sale.
"I think it’s an evil way," one woman said. "Kids see things like that and children — they see that on the front page — I think that’s terrible."
Others are also wondering what motivates someone to crucify Santa.
"All I wanted to do was to promote a dialogue," Wright said.
"Global warming is consumption-driven so there’s the argument. We have to come to terms with our hang-up on consumption. We’re in a consumptive orgy, I feel."
Critics are concerned the effigy will spoil the magic of Christmas for children.
"If that magic is Santa and if that magic is ‘oh boy lots of stuff,’ well then that kid needs the message right away and so does the parent," Wright said.
