Paradox: Crown of thorns, Ink on board, 52 cm x 73 cm, $4000
“And my Father sent me that I might be lifted up upon the cross; and after that I had been lifted up upon the cross, that I might draw all men unto me, that as I have been lifted up by men even so should men be lifted up by the Father to stand before me, to be judged of their works, whether they be good or whether they be evil.” 2 Nephi 27:14
I was inspired by this scripture’s simple and powerful doctrine about justice and mercy. It clearly defines the role of each actor, God, Christ as both a sacrificial lamb and redeemer, and mankind. The two works represent the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and the final judgment. Both works depict Jesus Christ as a pelican who has sacrificed itself. This symbol was used in Dante’s Divine Comedy. Dante refers to a myth that if food was scarce and rate of survival is low a pelican would gauge itself in order to feed its young off the blood spilled. This is a powerful image I felt would express beautifully the role of our Savior. This work shows Christ in this act as men lift him to die. Other men point fingers to symbolize their judgment. These hands form a crown symbolizing Christ’s divinity.