Cardinal Sin: New Banksy Sculpture References Catholic Molestation Scandals

Famed pop artist Banksy references the ongoing molestation scandals in the Catholic Church with a new sculpture on display in a London museum.

Cardinal Sin is a bust with its face sawn off and replaced by blank tiles, designed as a response to the child abuse scandal in the Catholic church. In a statement, Banksy said: "I'm never sure who deserves to be put on a pedestal or crushed under one." The sculpture was unveiled at the Walker Art Gallery, where it is sitting alongside 17th Century religious art. The bathroom tiles have been put in place of the priest's face to create a pixelated effect."The statue? I guess you could call it a Christmas present. At this time of year it's easy to forget the true meaning of Christianity - the lies, the corruption, the abuse." Cardinal Sin is now in a room with an altarpiece painted for the Archbishop of Seville by the Spanish artist Murillo in 1673 and Rubens' painting The Virgin and Child with St Elizabeth and the Child Baptist.

(Tipped by JMG reader Julian)