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A new generation Christmas nativity scene in Brussels’ Grand-Place
Belgian authorities are investigating the theft of the baby Jesus figure from a Christmas nativity scene in Brussels, which had already been the target of widespread criticism on social media due to the unusual design of the traditional Christmas figures.
The Christmas nativity scene installed in the Grand-Place, in Brussels, generated controversy since its installation, with opinions divided about the unusual design of the traditional Christmas figures — which appear faceless.
Negative reactions intensified over the weekend, after the head of the Baby Jesus statuette was decapitated and robbedbetween Friday night and Saturday morning, says the Belgian newspaper.
The representations of the baby Jesus and the other figures in the nativity scene, including Mary and Joseph, became the subject of controversy on social media because they present the characters no distinct facial features such as eyes, nose, or mouth.
The nativity scene was created by the German artist Victoria-Maria Geyerwho explained that its unusual design aims to “all Catholicregardless of its context or origin, if it could identify with the biblical narrative”.
“We wanted to do a 360º nativity scene. The characters’ faces are made of fabric that is composed of all possible ethnic colors and imaginable, so as not to discriminate against anyone”, explains the artist and architect, who has been based in Brussels for some years.
However, the design did not meet with unanimity. Georges-Louis Bouchezleader of the Belgian centrist party MR, publicly criticized the work on the X network, which “the fabric figures of Mrs. Geyer They in no way represent the spirit of Christmas“.
Bouchez went further, and compared the figures to “zombies” similar to the people you see at train stations. “The nativity scene in the Grand-Place of Brussels It’s absurd and an insult to our traditions. It is unbearable to see our traditions being constantly distorted”, he wrote.
Christinea kindergarten teacher interviewed by The Brussel Times during a study visit with her students, thinks that the idea could have workedbut feels it is inadequate.
“I think the concept could have been interesting, but I don’t know if it makes much sense for the Christmas story. As a work of art, it could be beautiful, but maybe in a museum instead of a public square“, considers the kindergarten teacher.
Geertaround the Wesembel Oppm, don’t see any problem in the new representation: “It continues to be a nativity scene”, he stated. “The meaning is there. It is beautiful, deep, simple, but people need to see themselves in him“.
The theft of the controversial figure has now come add one more element from mystery to the already much discussed nativity scene.
The controversial faceless Baby Jesus created by German artist Victoria-Maria Geyer
This it’s not the first time that the Grand-Place nativity scene is the target of vandalism. In 2017, the statuette of the Baby Jesus disappeared and was never recovered. In 2014, the head of Baby Jesus was removed by activists during a political protest. And in 2015, three young people vandalized the nativity scene during the night.
Last year, more than four million people visited the Christmas market in the historic center of Brussels to taste mulled wine and hot chocolate and shop at 238 stalls selling toys, clothing and decorations, recalls .
The center of the square is dominated by a huge Christmas tree which stands over a simple white tent where there is the nativity scene with figures made by Geyer, who considers herself a devout Catholic — and whose work was chosen by both the local Catholic Church and the Brussels City Council.
According to , the total cost of the nativity scene amounted to 65.000 eurosexcluding assembly and disassembly, for an installation that is expected to last five years. Seven artists were contacted, but Geyer’s design was chosen.
Para Christine, It is not clear why the scenario cost so much. “I imagine what to do something handy with fabrics costs more than plastic mannequins that we reuse every year”, says the kindergarten teacher. “But €65,000? I really don’t understand.”
His main concern, however, is the meaning of the unusual figures. “For me, It’s a purposeless provocation. When I was little, there were even real animals in the scene. Things change, of course, but faces mattered. Expressions tell a story.”
