Visionaries: Christianity and the Visual Arts

Christianity and the Visual Arts

Lent to Easter 2017: Cees Sliedrecht

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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

Lent to Easter 2017 Exhibition

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Join us for this year’s Lenten Exhibition:

Lent to Easter: 

Reflection and Prayer

Exhibition by artists of Visionaries

“Temptation in the Wilderness” by Geraldine Wheeler

VERA WADE GALLERY

Saint Andrew’s Uniting Church

Corner Ann and Creek Streets, Brisbane City

March 1 to April 21, 2017

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

Lent to Easter: Cees Sliedrecht

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lent2016_cees_mid

Cees’ work is pen and watercolour, 68cm x 98cm

Artist Statement:

”I was a Stranger and you Welcomed me”

By  Cees Sliedrecht

 

No safe place for them in Bethlehem

Fear and anxiety drove them away

Pursued by evil and destruction

Government forces, tearing families apart.

 

Egypt offers safety and freedom,

Opening their borders

For Mary, Joseph and Jesus to enter,

To rest.

 

Syria is destroyed, cities are burning

Desperation hits the family of three,

Looming death pursues them, fleeing is the only way out

Leaving their homes and dear ones behind, cruel.

 

Children are crying out for help and comfort

Under the cross they stand, welcomed by Christ who is near them,

In his ultimate suffering, He watches out over them,

Promising them peace, justice and eternal life.

 

Wait till the stranger knocks on our door

Hungry, thirsty and in despair

For their basic needs to be met

 

Are we welcoming?

Lent to Easter: Susan Pietsch

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SusanPietsch

Susan Pietsch’s work, “Bloom”, is acrylic on canvas, 120cm x 90cm

Artist Statement:

Lent is a journey. One in which you are invited to “give up” something as a way to fast over 40 days. Often people choose something they like to do, eat or drink to “fast” from but what if you gave up something that brings you pleasure but others pain? Things like the joy of being always right, the delight in being superior to others, the pleasure of pointing out the faults of others… Things that you may say, “oh, that’s just me” and smile as if that will smooth over the hurt caused.

Just choose one. One guilty pleasure of belittling others to “fast” from this Lent. Instead travel hand in hand with Christ, dropping the stones of self-righteousness, and perhaps in 40 days you will find a Christ-like nature blooming in you.

The painting “Bloom” depicts a version of this journey. Strawflowers were chosen to represent blooming in Christ because they are “everlasting”. The journey is not straight forward because no journey of self-transformation ever is. The path is up and down and fairly rocky as change does not come without effort and a bit of pain. But you are not alone in this journey, if you look closely at the painting you will see Christ is holding your hand.

If you are interested in purchasing this work or in viewing other artwork by Susan Pietsch please see her website at www.susanpietsch.com.au or contact her at susan@essentialtextileart.com