Hand of God
By John Russel
Reflections from the Artist
This piece is a triple self-portrait. I am all three figures nailing Christ
to the cross at his hands and feet. It is a confession. Jesus died as a
sacrifice to His Father for the sin of all humanity. Therefore, each time we
sin, we crucify Him anew.
The image came to me in flash, inspired by a liturgical song with the lyric,
"How many times have I nailed You up today?" There are three of me as a reminder
that people are made in the image of God. God is triune: Father, Son, and Holy
Spirit. People are a shadow of this trinity, as they are mind, body and spirit.
The other weeping figure in the background, thrice repeated as well, represents
my loved ones. I intend this to call the viewer to the realization that, not
only do we offend God with our sin, but we harm our fellow man as well.
The figures are in modern dress but placed
in an ancient scene to call attention to the fact that the crucifixion is not
only a historical event. It is happening right now. As we sin today, we nail Him
up today.
Last changed:
11/08/03
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