After 5: Evangel art exhibit illustrate Jesus' life

However, double takes may be in store for the variety of portrayals of Jesus, the central figure of the Assemblies of God church that founded Evangel, 1111 N. Glenstone Ave. These are not your typical Jesus images, the kinds that Americans have seen commercialized for years.

Two illustrations of a black Jesus – a woman riding into Jerusalem on a donkey and a man forgiving the woman at the well – jump off the Barnett Fine Art Gallery wall, primarily due to the vibrant colors applied by artist Anne Brink. The paintings cast a Jamaican feel.

Other works in the 34-piece, 13-artist exhibit, titled Seeing the Savior: Images from the Life of Christ, illustrate Jesus in psychedelic and animal-like forms as well as being of Arab descent.

It is clear that these are views from around the world. The exhibit, which is on display through Sept. 18, is refreshingly un-American.

For instance, two pieces from an unknown artist originate from the Kuna islands off the coast of Panama. “Jesus Carrying the Cross” and “Jesus Nailed to the Cross” – which leave a safari impression – are done in a native embroidery style called mola, which means blouse. A three-ring binder in the gallery full of information about the artists and their works describes the “reverse appliqué” process as a layering of cloths in various shapes and colors.

While most of the pieces were created in the last decade, Sadao Watanabe’s two stencil prints distinctly reflect another era and culture. Produced in the 1970s by the Buddhist convert, “Baptism” and “The Good Shepherd” are the most “far out” depictions.

Based on the Bible’s description of Jesus as the Jewish son of Joseph and Mary, Joan Bohlig’s series of six etchings tell the story of his birth. The exhibit also covers many of Jesus’ actions: washing of feet, last supper feast, prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, his trial and temptations, walking on water, turning water into wine, feeding 5,000 and healing the blind.

Massachusetts-based Christians in the Visual Arts, of which Evangel is a member, is exhibit sponsor. Most prints are smaller, and each references the corresponding Bible verses.

Before leaving the gallery, it’s hard to look past a blood-dripping man being taken down from a cross, called “Crucifixion: The Sixth Hour,” and a black-and-white mixed-media oil on paper of a naked Jesus hanging on a cross, titled “Deposition I.” This 2007 piece drawn from the book of Matthew, chapter 27, is the most contemporary art of the show.

Beyond the colors and shapes that tell the stories of Jesus’ life, the senses that emerge from the art include passion, hurt, love, service, hope, authority, happiness and the impossible.

Event Details

What: Seeing the Savior: Images from the Life of Christ

Where: Evangel University Barnett Fine Art Gallery (southeast corner of campus; building faces Glenstone Avenue)

When: through Sept. 18

Hours: 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday through Friday

Cost: None

More info: www.civa.org[[In-content Ad]]