Christianity and the Visual Arts
Psalm 84: in the Bush Chapel (G. Wheeler)
Artists: Ruth Elvery, Jennii Gould, Kerry Holland, Marcelien Hunt, Peter Hunter, Jennifer Long, Marion McConaghy, Dianne Minnaar, Barbara Niczynski, Gregg Nowell, Murhaf Obeid, Sue Oliver, Susan Pietsch, Tricia Reust, Wayne Singleton, Geraldine Wheeler
Susan Pietsch
On Reflection, things are different
Acrylic on Industrial Fabric (Lutradur), 100 x 130 cm
When we reflect on our lives at Lent we discover things are different to what we thought. We have one image of how we are travelling but one reflection we notice things aren’t quite the same. Not wildly different but enough to cause us to pause, realign and once again seek to transform our path.
Marion McConaghy
Dilemma
Pastel and acrylic on canvas
120cm x 90cm
Geraldine Wheeler
Temptation in the Wilderness II
Matthew 4: 1-11
Gouache stencil on black Stonehenge paper. 80cm x 100cm
Marcelien Hunt
Darkness through Prayer to Grace upon Reflection
60cm x 60cm
Marcelien Hunt
True Repentance, Beginning of Beauty
50cm x 73cm
Marcelien Hunt
Lilium Womb, Blood of Christ
47cm x 81cm
Joanne Lane
Into the Light
Photographic print, 48cm x 59cm
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light and our darkness that most frightens us. Marianne Williamson
Joanne Lane
Christ all around me
Photographic print, 48cm x 59cm
“Christ above me. Christ below me. Christ before me. Christ all around me. Christ within me.” Celtic Prayer Book.
Joanne Lane
Walking the ancient paths
Photographic print, 48cm x 59cm
“Stand at the crossroads and look, and ask for the ancient paths where the good way lies; and walk in it and find rest for your souls.” Jeremiah 6:16
Cees Sliedrecht
The Betrayal
Watercolour and Ink, 68cm x 96cm
In the painting we see the portrayal of a contemporary Jesus and Judas. There is also a hand showing with a pointing finger. It is not clear to whom this hand belongs.
The raised and pointing finger is used to identify, to betray, to sentence and to honour Jesus.
At the baptism of Jesus:
You are my Son, whom I love; with you am I pleased. Luke 3:22
At Gethsemane Judas said:
The one I kiss is the man: arrest him and lead him away under guard. Mark 14:44
Pilate sentencing Jesus said:
Here is the man. You take and crucify him. John 19: 5,6
The centurian praised God and said:
Surely, this is a righteous man. Luke 23:47
Cees Sliedrecht
Jesus taken from the cross
Charcoal 109cm x 77cm
Cees Sliedrecht
You are my Son, whom I love
Watercolour and mixed media
117cm x 97cm
Christ is risen
Christ the crucified
Given birth by Mary
Baptised
Teacher
Blessing the children
Healing the sick
Redeemer
Saviour
Son of God
The 2018 Mandorla Art Award was launched on March 30 in conjunction with the Bible Society of Australia celebrating their 200th anniversary. It took place in Wesley Church in the city with an exhibition of 12 of the finalists from last year.
The Award is Australia’s only thematic Christian art award with themes defined by a quotation from the Bible and all participating artists invited to interpret this in their own way. The privilege to co-celebrate with the Bible Society was important as the aims of both organisations are bound with the same values.
The theme for the 2018 Mandorla Art Award, is taken from Revelations 21:1-2 and provides artists with an opportunity to reflect on what that will mean for us and offer the rest of us a way in which to imagine what is to come.
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more.
Rev Professor Bill Loader offered us a way of understanding this text and concluded with a dare to artists:
Dare to hope! Dare to dream! Dare to imagine! Dare to depict and portray!
Prize money for the main award’s overall winning entry is $25,000 sponsored by St John of God Healthcare, with the two highly commended awards being $5,000 each. The People’s Choice is for $2,000 and is sponsored by the New Norcia Benedictine Community. The main award’s overall winning artwork is acquisitive and all other artworks are for sale.
All submissions must clearly demonstrate a direct relationship to the theme, Revelation 21:1-2.
More information on the theme, application process and the opening exhibition will soon be on the Mandorla website www.mandorlaart.com.
About the Mandorla Art Award
The Mandorla Art Award for contemporary religious art is Australia’s most significant thematic religious art prize, attracting some of the country’s finest artists since its 1985 inception. For more information, visit www.mandorlaart.com
About St John of God Health Care
St John of God Health Care is a leading not for profit Catholic health care group, employing 9,300 caregivers across 13 hospitals, pathology, home nursing and Social Outreach and Advocacy services in Australia, New Zealand and the Asia Pacific. For more information, visit www.sjog.org.au
Join us for this year’s Lenten Exhibition:
Exhibition by artists of Visionaries
“Temptation in the Wilderness” by Geraldine Wheeler
Saint Andrew’s Uniting Church
Corner Ann and Creek Streets, Brisbane City
Viewing hours – Sundays 8 am to 11 am and
Monday to Friday (except public holidays) 11 am to 2 pm
Artists
Marcelien Hunt, Joanne Lane, Marion McConaghy,
Susan Pietsch, Cees Sliedrecht, Geraldine Wheeler
Catalogue reflections
Journey to Christmas
The Journey to Christmas theme is interpreted by the artists of Visionaries for this exhibition in a range of different ways. Some make reference to the biblical story, particularly as told in Luke’s Gospel, chapters 1 and 2, featuring Mary and Elizabeth, Mary’s pregnancy and the journey to Bethlehem where Jesus was born. The Chi-rho pages hark back to these pages in mediaeval Gospel books (the Book of Kells and the Lindisfarne Gospel) where these Greek letters are decorated on pages at the beginning of Matthew 1:18. The journey of the wise men (Matthew 2:1-12) is also referenced. The opening of John’s Gospel, with reference to the Word made flesh, is central for some of the artists.
For some artists, reflection on this story is linked with parallel events in today’s world. Some of the works refer to the artist’s own particular journey towards Christmas and thinking about the mystery of God’s action in the incarnation. Several of the works make reference to past Christian traditions and how these may be brought into the present and used for reflection about our times. Questions facing the world and the church today come to the forefront for a number of the artists as they express issues and concerns. Every artist is aiming to express more than simply making an aesthetically pleasing image.
Much is intertwined in our lives as we move through Advent towards Christmas. Looking at, pondering and enjoying these works can be part of the Advent to Christmas journey for each one of us.
The artists of Visionaries offer these works (paintings in a range of media, drawings and a paper-cut) as a contribution towards the spiritual journey of viewers during Advent to Christmas, for reflection which may lead into prayer and new God-given insights.
Visionaries artists also thank the minister, congregation and particularly the people who organise the Vera Wade Gallery of St Andrew’s Uniting Church for the opportunity to hold this exhibition.
Geraldine Wheeler, 2016