The synoptic gospels tell us that, at the moment Christ died, darkness swept over the land for three hours (Mark 15:33, Matthew 27:45, Luke 23:44-45). In manuscripts and painted works of art that depicted this event, color was frequently exploited to illustrate darkness and to create a dramatic setting. The celestial bodies of the sunContinue reading “Christian art: the sun and the moon”
Tag Archives: crucifixion
Poem inspired by the cross
THE TREE FOR THE CROSS by Colin Moffett I stood in the forest growing so strong From all of my companions I was numbered among They picked me out as the rough barked tree To crucify the Saviour of men on the hard wood of me I felt each blow as they cut me downContinue reading “Poem inspired by the cross”
Crucified in Community
I think it is telling that much contemporary Christian art depicts Jesus on the cross in splendid isolation. No followers. No crowds. No one crucified next to him. Compare that to ancient Christian art where Jesus was nearly always imagined in relationship to others. None of our western individualism. It was Christ, in community, inContinue reading “Crucified in Community”
The Nail Man by Steve Turner
Which one was it that held the nails and then hammered them into place? Did he hit them out of anger, or a simple sense of duty? Was it a job that had to be done, or a good day’s work in the open air? And when they clawed past bone and bit into wood,Continue reading “The Nail Man by Steve Turner”
The Indian Art of Jamini Roy
Jesus Christ is crucified” by Jamini Roy Jamini Roy (1887-1972) was an influential (non-Christian) Indian artist who forged a style that was both Indian and avant garde, taking crude Kalighat Pat styles as his sources of inspiration. Although I find his art eye catching I can’t help but notice that, as with many non-Christian artists who delve intoContinue reading “The Indian Art of Jamini Roy”
Why do Tea Party Christians idolize Ayn Rand?
Wicasta Lovelace’s painting of the “The Crucifixion of Ayn Rand” juxtaposes Rand’s philosophy of selfishness with Christ’s act of selflessness. Could there be a greater contraction? Why yes, in real life. But while the intentional juxtaposition in this painting is something I can appreciate, how Tea Party Christians can idolize this pro-choise Atheist in real lifeContinue reading “Why do Tea Party Christians idolize Ayn Rand?”
The Foolishness of Weakness
“But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things – and the things that are not – to nullify the things that are, so that no oneContinue reading “The Foolishness of Weakness”
Aboriginal Christian Painting of Good Friday
“Good Friday” by Australian Aboriginal artist Clifford Possum Tjapaltjarri.
Not Quite Christian Art: Skeleton Jesus
Well, this had to be the most decayed Jesus I have every seen. Was there anything left to entomb? Even the Zombie Jesi typically have more flesh on them.
The naked truth about Jesus
Contrary to how most artists have depicted the crucifixion of Jesus over the centuries, it is quite probable that he was crucified naked. After all, the aim was humiliation. Edward Knippers has been painting Jesus naked for at least 30 years. If you’d like to know more about him I recommend reading Jesus Christ: The Bare NakedContinue reading “The naked truth about Jesus”
Curious Christian 