GOD

Mary as the Dalit Mother by Jyoti Sahi

1944

Oil

This painting has much symbolism. The word Dalit is the word used in the Indian caste system for untouchables. Mary is surrounded by wheat and on top of a grinding stone. In the Indian culture the grinding stone has two parts, the "mother stone" and the "baby stone". This could perhaps symbolize the relationship between Mary and Christ. Additionally, the wheat may refer to the brokenness of sinners.

I chose this painting because I have a deep love for Asian culture. I feel that oftentimes Christian art can become very Eurocentric and leave out a large amount of its Eastern influence. The painting is absolutely beautiful in the way it symbolizes Mary and Christ as normal and even untouchable. It further reminds me of Christ's humanity and how he chose to live his life on earth as normal. In looking at this I think about Nathaniel's response to Christ's birth, "Nazareth!" exclaimed Nathanael. "Can anything good come from Nazareth?" "Come and see for yourself," Philip replied. Something good indeed came from Nazareth, the greatest gift for humanity. Christ humbled himself to an untouchable position for us.

I believe this painting is very true. It speaks of Christ's humility and humanity and highlights the symbolism of Indian culture.

GOD

Sistine Madonna by Raphael

1513-1514

Oil on Canvas

High Renaissance

This painting was commissioned as an alter piece by monks from the Monastery of Sisto. This was the last painting Raphael completed on his own before his death. The painting depicts Mary with Christ in hand with Saint Sisto and Saint Barbara to the sides. Toward the bottom rest two cherubs, which are perhaps some of the most iconic angels depicted in art.

I find the painting very intriguing. Saint Barbara and Saint Sixtus were both martyrs in the early 3rd century. I find interesting to see the veneration Raphael gives them in addition to Christ and Madonna. Additionally, we have a copy of this painting at home and I can always remember noticing the cherubs when I was younger and thinking how innocent and childish they were. Besides the fact that this piece has been greatly tainted and desensitized by our modern culture, I feel that it offers much for the viewer. The beauty and Mary and Christ evoke emotions of admiration and affection.

I find the image to be very true. It is inspiring to see those who died for Christ are in the presence of Christ. In light of the fact that Christ is still a child is somewhat false in terms of the time line of what's going on, but besides that the painting speaks truth to the love of Christ and the beauty of heaven. Christ is on display in the piece, as he should be.

God

“Come, let us return to the LORD.

He has torn us to pieces

but he will heal us;

he has injured us

but he will bind up our wounds."

"Let us acknowledge the LORD;

let us press on to acknowledge him.

As surely as the sun rises,

he will appear;

he will come to us like the winter rains,

like the spring rains that water the earth.”

-Hosea 6:1&3

Thoughts.

At first glance I noticed a girl wearing all white, holding a mask, and standing in front of a chalkboard. I took the white outfit and chalkboard to symbolize a blank slate or canvas. In 2011 we can make our bodies into anything we want them to be, which is what I think the mask symbolizes. We have a true self, a true body, and we can choose to let this be and be seen; or we can become what we want the world to see or what we think the world wants to see. I like the position of the girl's mask, because it makes me wonder if she is about to put it on or take it off. Is she about to plunge in or come up for air? I also love the highlighting of the green in the center because it naturally draws my eyes, and I have to work a little bit to look at the girl. The placement of the girl on the left third line was a good composition technique.

The Body

So this was my interpretation of the body. I had my friend Meghan dress in all white and stand in front of a chalk board. I will let you all interpret how you think.

My intentions were to describe the body as slate which is constantly changing and discovering new things. The mask was meant to elude to the many personas we take on depending on which "slate" we stand in front of. So in some ways our bodies leave profound marks on those we interact with and are constantly changing based on their environment. Here the body is, in a sense, very vulnerable; the mask is off. The board has remnants of marks on it, meaning that our bodies are in constant interaction with the changing times.

God

So I know this is pretty cliche but I absolutely love the Creation of Adam by Michelangelo. I believe it is the essence of God's grace and love. God is gently reaching out to Adam to instill in him the breath of life. Additionally, I believe Michelangelo did an amazing job at capturing the idea of being "created in the image of God". For me this painting evokes many emotions and typifies God and his power.