Drag Queen Christ Sure to Stir the Passions for 2011 Art Contest

THE SYDNEY MORNING HERALD
By Andrew Taylor

A panel from triptych, "Three figures at the bases of crucifixions" by Luke Roberts

AUSTRALIA - Christians are used to people rubbishing their faith, but they may find it hard to turn the other cheek after seeing Luke Roberts's entry in this year's Blake Prize for religious art. The provocative Brisbane artist has created three depictions of the crucifixion of Christ: in one, lesbian academic Jodie Taylor kneels at the feet of a Christ figure played by Tobin Saunders, better known as drag queen Vanessa Wagner. Another photo features Jandy Rainbow, an intersex woman, clad only in a pink G-string and nipple tassles adopting the crucifixion pose, while controversial indigenous artist Richard Bell, who judged this year's Sulman Prize by tossing a coin, features in the third shot. Roberts's Three figures at the bases of crucifixions is one of 73 finalists in the $15,000 Blake Prize. [link]