The Government Funded Crucifix of Urine

A 1987 photograph of a plastic crucifix submerged in the artist's own urine once won a prestigious award. Surprisingly, this controversial piece received official funding from a United States government agency.

The artwork, titled Immersion, caused a massive national firestorm over public spending and religious respect. Many people were outraged to learn that taxpayer dollars had supported what they viewed as a blasphemous act. Despite the intense backlash, the artist maintained that the work was a serious exploration of his relationship with his faith. This incident remains a defining moment in debates over the limits of government-sponsored artistic expression.