April 6, 2018 at 1:53 p.m.
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'
The painting was selected from among 1,700 entries from 19 countries by Sister Wendy Beckett, who served as judge. Her programs on art appreciation have appeared on PBS."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
The artist's nephew, Elliot, a mixed race African-American, helped lay the groundwork for this painting."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
While Elliot inspired her to be more racially inclusive, her work has often included the image of women. "Jesus of the People" is no different: A woman from her town served as the model for the painting."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
Art, Ms. McKenzie said, has an important spiritual role. "Art goes past the conscious level and speaks to the soul," she said. "It speaks to the sacred self."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.)
(01-13-00) [[In-content Ad]]
MORE NEWS STORIES
- Pittsburgh Bishop Zubik, 75, resigns; pope names Auxiliary Bishop Eckman as successor
- As pilgrims flock to Ugandan shrine, authorities narrowly prevent massive terror attack
- Trump administration revokes Biden-era abortion directive for emergency rooms
- Illinois legislative session ends without vote on assisted suicide, but bill expected to return
- On way to California, National Eucharistic Pilgrimage is target of anti-Catholic protesters
- Colorado faith leaders express sorrow over attack on rally for release of Hamas hostages
- Indiana Catholic shares story of his life-changing bond with friend who is now Pope Leo
- Pope’s prayer intention for June: That the world grow in compassion
- Video of dancing, beatboxing nuns goes viral, boosts interest in their ministry
- Pope, Romanian bishops, Jewish officials pay tribute to martyred bishop
Comments:
You must login to comment.