Ultimately, Helnwein's art explores the human condition through pain, fear and the forces of war. It is visceral and unnerving. Because Helnwein grew up in a post-war German speaking country, much of his art references the Holocaust (for example, in his recreation of the famous "Adoration of the Magi," the infant Jesus is surrounded by five SS officers). His work is so controversial that, unfortunately, it has been protested, defamed and even confiscated by the police.