 |
|
Javier
Manrique, Crown, 2008; photo courtesy the artist
|
Sin and Redemption
Exhibition dates: July 14 - August 23,
2012
Opening reception: Saturday, July 14,
1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
This exhibition of works by more than
two dozen artists working in painting, sculpture, installation, and photography
explores the transformational themes of sin and redemption.
Here Maria Medua of the Artists
Gallery talks to Javier Manrique about his paintings for the show.
MM: Javier, it was really your painting, “Crown” that got me thinking
about doing this show about sin and redemption.
JM: The
Crown is a symbol of truth and transgression.
The artist as an outcast falls on the Christian notion that the more one
is rejected, the more one is a vehicle and receptacle of truth. He or she has mystically the right to
transgress language, moral, and political codes. Sin is relative for a transgressor and
rejection and suffering are a medium. In
the sacrifice one is redeemed.
MM: And what about the piece “Buried Heart.” The rose is an
ancient symbol in art, what is its significance to you?
JM: Buried
Heart is a metaphor for those sentiments that are latent desires, the heart
within the earth will sprout through the surface to become tangible. Martyrdom makes it easy to see a phrase from
a poem Song of the Nightingale by
Richard Le Gallienne that reads,
“I
know not your kiss from your scorn, my love,
Your breast from your thorn, my rose,
And
if you must kill me, well, kill me, my love!
But – say ‘t was the death I
chose.”
Fulfillment
is achieved in living and dying the way one desires, which may be interpreted
as morally wrong yet it is the only recourse for the romantic. A sin would be not following the heart.
MM: So it would
be a sin not to see this show!
Well said! Following the heart is following the soul. I would also add that to be able to discern the voice of the heart from that of the voice of unchecked fear and habit energy is crucial.
ReplyDeleteUnchecked fear and unexamined habit can pervert desire into addictive tendencies--habits which are destructive for an individual, harmful for a community, and disastrous for our planet. There is a problematic nature of our impulse for instant gratification.
I look forward to seeing the show! Grazie.