'Seeing salvation now'

October 13 - December 18 2004
The North Light Gallery
Armitage Bridge
Huddersfield HD4 7NR

In the year 2000 the National Gallery hosted a collection of paintings under the title 'Seeing Salvation' - images of Christ in art.

The BBC also televised a series with the same title introduced by Sir Neil McGregor. Numbers attending and watching were remarkable for today's secular society. The majority of the exhibits were from the traditional schools, representing Catholic, Protestant and Orthodox positions. 'Seeing Salvation Now' places the emphasis on the current art scene. When Edward Gibbon wrote of the decline of Rome he noted one of the signs as, 'Freakishness in the arts masquerading as originality, and enthusiasm pretending to be creativeness'. There is much evidence to suggest that Western art is travelling in the same direction.

For today's art lover this exhibition is well worth a visit even if only to be better acquainted with the present day Christian art world. Artists displaying their talent include Antony Green, Albert Herbert, Francis Hoyland, Kate Rose, Martin Rose, Kate Wilson, Mark Cazalet, Iain McKillop, Roger Wagner, Philip Archer, Mark Brooke, Alan Flood, Paul Martin, Gray Fabian Miller and Nicholas Mynheer.

Salvation events

The most dominant work is 'The Resurrection Portfolio' by Antony Green. It is a very personal statement describing members of his extended family and their lives, falling between a family scrapbook and a family tree. The provision of a written explanation is much needed and appreciated. It takes the form of 11 prints in a collage form which are reflected in what the artist calls a 'Pictorial sculpture', approximately 5 x 3 metres on a raised dais. This is stunning, even if only for the amount of work involved in its creation. This is not art in a traditional sense, but is interesting and novel. One suspects that some of its inspiration is drawn from 'The Resurrection in Cookham Churchyard' by Stanley Spencer. The work focuses more on the eternal longings of family members than the rapture of all believers when Christ returns.

Francis Hoyland's paintings and etchings, principally monochromatic, do have an atmospheric quality in their depiction of the Nativity, the Visitation, the Crucifixion, Pentecost, Resurrection and St. Peter rebuked.

A more abstract childlike representation of biblical scenes is made by Albert Herbert. The observer may wish to see the artist display some better leaning towards good draughtsmanship.

The seven last words of Christ on the cross are the inspiration for Martin Rose's striking abstract paintings in acrylic and gesso on panels. Colours used for all the works are black, white, yellow and red. The titles are essential in assisting the viewer to a full comprehension of the panels.

Timeless revelation

Dark monochrome tones help to convey the verses from John's Gospel and scenes of the Passion in paintings by Iain McKillop. They are a graphic attempt to portray both the physical and mental sufferings of the Saviour. Both Roger Wagner and Kate Wilson seek to set New and Old Testament scenes in a modern landscape. Wagner's contribution includes 'Ruth and Boaz', 'The Mountain of God', 'Abraham and the Angels', 'Ananias and Paul', plus two scenes of the crucifixion, 'Menorah' and 'Dartmoor Crucifixion'. By placing familiar stories in the present day Middle East with its clutter of a modern landscape, he points to the timelessness of God's revelation and presence. Distant cement factories, oil barrels, power lines and a discarded tyre seem incongruous but try to make the story relevant to today's world. Good composition, careful draughtsmanship and beautiful execution are the hallmarks of this painter's work.

Parable in paint

Two paintings by Kate Wilson deserve pondering: 'Afterlife' and 'Abundant Life'. They could be described as a parable in paint of the interior of a house from the same perspective. One is an empty shell, swept and clean with no occupants, maybe representing the body without the living soul. 'Abundant Life' shows the same interior but now furnished and occupied by children and adults - maybe indicating the abundant life which Christ brings. The message is maybe open to interpretation but the composition and rendering are impressive.

Kate Rose's work of 16 paintings, including 'Jesus asleep in a storm', are gentle, sensitively rendered paintings. Her work indicates a strong interest in the human figure and an ability to draw.

Though no work of art can be a substitute for the revelation of God in Scripture, art can be a vehicle to help some bring the reality of the gospel story to light. Rembrandt's 'The Return of the Prodigal' is one such example. Nevertheless one must always recognise that the response is subjective. Should one wish to hold a more knowledgeable opinion of the place of Christian art in the contemporary world then a visit to 'Seeing Salvation Now' can only assist.

A guide to an exhibition of Christian art in Huddersfield

Salvation events

Timeless revelation

Parable in paint

Jack Rawnsley ARIBA

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