Contemporary Christ

"Pieta", sculpture by Paul Fryer

1) What does this image mean historically?
This sculpture was created by London artist Paul Fryer and created quite a stir when it was revealed.  Contemporary Christians tend to forget how utterly horrifying Christ's Crucifixion was, and this sculpture shocks us into remembering that violent fact by recreating Christ's murder in a modern light.

2) What does this image mean to you?  Why did you choose it?

I never thought about Christ's death in this way before.  I choose it because it is very relevant to the times. The sculpture brings Christ into a new aspect for us "modern Christians" and reveals something that we seem to have forgotten or watered down.

3) Is the image true?  Why or Why not?

Yes this piece of art is very true, it is realistic and very obviously gets it's message across.  It is also interesting to note that Christ's wounds are still present, though they would not be needed for the electric chair.  I think that fact keeps Christ in his original aspect while also shedding new light upon him.

God from historical periods.

Christo Pantocrator, Hagia Sophia, 6th Century, Istanbul:

1) What does this image mean historically?
This mosaic was made in Constantine's Hagia Sophia and it represents Christ as he will be seen on Judgement Day.  It is considered to be the start of the Renaissance in Byzantine art.  This icon was not the first depiction of Christ Pantocrator nor was it the last as this depiction is common in Byzantine orthodox art.  This image shows much deterioration either by weathering or desecration by the Ottoman islamic invaders who captured Constantinople in 1453.

2) What does this image mean to you?  Why did you choose it?
Christ's turned gaze struck me as unusual for medieval art as the usual depiction has a face that is facing towards the viewer.  Christ is making a symbol with his right hand that means either he is teaching or blessing the viewer.  In his left hand he holds the new testament, symbolic of what the image represents, Christ on Judgement Day.

3) Is the image true?  Why or Why not?
I think what makes this image true is it's imperfection. The weathering and aged material show that it has proven that this image has withstood the test of time and will continue until Christ returns again to perform Judgement in person, rather than in an icon.

Dead Christ, Andrea Mantega:

1) What does this image mean historically?

The 15th century was the last time of renaissance art leading to Baroque.  You can see the obvious attempt at realism and proportion in this painting.  Andrea Mantegna was an Italian artist who experimented with lowering the perspective in his paintings, leading to experiments in Baroque art.

2) What does this image mean to you?  Why did you choose it?
The image is striking due to the true lifelessness of Christ on the marble slab.  His wounds are dry and clean but also very real and painful.  As Carvagio often expressed in his images, the feet of Christ are falling into our space, his wounds are our wounds.  We are weeping over his body as Mary and St. John are doing.

3) Is the image true?  Why or Why not?
The perspective is true, however, it is interesting to note how Mantegna shrank Christ's feet as they would have covered much of the image had he not done so.

..and the Word was God.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ~ John 1:1

This is my rendition of God, pure and simple.  Minimalist, if you will.

The Angel and the Hollow Man

     These two photos came to me after an event that I witnessed one time while me and my Father were checking out at a grocery store.  There was a man in front of us who looked to be about 45 years old. This man looked like a zombie, standing there with his mouth agape, while he had earbuds in his ears. He had a lot of items to check out and while he was standing there, the checkout lady, who was already being overcome by the line of customers, had to bag his entire stockpile because he was enthralled in his own little world. I noticed what was going on and after the man had left and we were next in line, i helped bag our groceries. I'll never forget when the checkout lady just gave me a simple "thank you," I knew that was the one of the most sincere "thank you's" I have heard in a long time.

Steadfast Bridges: Builtolast Products Inc.