Portrait debuts in Albany

"Jesus of the People," a painting by Vermont artist Janet McKenzie, won a competition sponsored by National Catholic Reporter, a national weekly newspaper. The competition was for an image of Christ for the third millennium.

Ms. McKenzie's portrait received much attention; it and she appeared on national television news shows and in newspapers across the country.

'Haunting image'

"This is a haunting image of a peasant Jesus -- dark, thick-lipped, looking out on us with ineffable dignity, with sadness but with confidence," Sister Wendy said.

The artist has been surprised by the attention her work received. "I've had to put everything on hold," Ms. McKenzie told The Evangelist during a visit to Albany last week to unveil the portrait.

Inspiration

"In 1994, when Elliot was ten, I realized that he couldn't find his image in my work," Ms. McKenzie explained. "That's when I decided to be more racially inclusive."

Elliot has been pleased with the attention "Jesus of the People" has received. "It's been wonderful for him," she said. "It's affirming for him. He replays 'The Today Show' where I say his name."

Gentle Jesus

"I definitely painted a man," she said, "but I used a woman as a model because I wanted to show His gentleness, and I felt it would come through better that way."

Michael Farrell, editor of the National Catholic Reporter, said this image is appropriate for the new millennium. "When the Church was overwhelmingly a Western institution, we in the West made Jesus in our likeness. But now Christianity has spread to the ends of the earth, as the founder once prayed it would. Much of the Church's energy and new vocations have moved from Europe and the United States to the Third World, so perhaps this work of art is a preview of how Christianity will flourish and what kind of divinity it will look up to as the next millennium unfolds."

Art and soul

Spirituality plays a role in the creative process for the artist. "My work as an artist is spiritually inspired," she said.

Prior to beginning a painting, Ms. McKenzie needs quiet, private time. "I allow something to come through me," she said.

("Jesus of the People" will be on display at the Visions Gallery until Feb. 25. The gallery is located in the Diocesan Pastoral Center, 40 N. Main Ave. in Albany. Call 453-6600.)

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