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PAINTING #25:  'PIECES'

        

                            'Pieces'  by  Alton Felix. 2019.  Acrylic on Stone.  24 in. x  18 in. approx.  

                                                     
Artist's Commentary:

The painting consists of a number of ‘pieces’ which form the whole artwork. These fragments are really symbolic of how one’s life can be dashed into ‘pieces’ by the occurrence of an unfortunate or unexpected event.

When tragedy strikes, it is normal to ask God “Why?” Sometimes our suffering may either be God’s own making (for a greater good), or His permissive will (see Job’s experience) or the consequence of sin in our lives...Other times, it is just life's 'cross' that one must bear.  It is important to recognize that every trial, including that of the penitent sinner, has the potential to bring honour and glory to God.

Although the devil must not always be blamed for every act of human misery, in this painting he is seen as the main orchestrator of one’s pain and suffering. The sea of blue which surrounds the agonizing man to the left represents spiritual wickedness at work in his life.

The figure’s tilted head in the painting means that his ‘world’ has been literally turned ‘upside down.’ He no longer sees life from a favourable position, and pain, suffering, chaos and confusion are his daily portions. In complete desperation, and still holding on to his last thread of hope he cries out:

“Lord, save me!”

This is reminiscent of the ferocious storm which pounded the disciples’ boat as they journeyed to the other side. Out of fear, despair and terror, they too cried out to sleeping Jesus:

“Lord, don’t you care that we perish?” - Mark 4:38.

Yes, Jesus cares for us - even when it seems as though He is asleep and oblivious to our pain and suffering.

On the immediate right of the person in distress in the painting, there is a Christ-like figure with nail-pieced hands reaching out to the wounded soldier. As seen with His disciples, Jesus always provides a timely touch that calms every raging storm in one’s life.  

However, according to Ephesian 6:12, the battle is real:

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of [a]the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” 

In this painting as Jesus hears the cry for help, He comes to the aid of the helpless. But not without opposition nor warfare! The ‘sea of blue’ also surrounds Him, as there is an intense, unseen spiritual battle between ‘good’ and ‘evil’ for our soul. The devil comes to steal, kill and destroy, but Jesus comes to save and to give life to the down-trodden.

The painting also shows an obstructing hand which ‘grips’ Jesus, in an attempt to prevent Him from coming to the rescue. Of course, this is all in vain. Do you remember the woman with the issue of blood (see Mark 5: 25-34) who pressed against the huge crowd in order to touch the hem of Jesus’ garment, so that she can be healed?   

The painting shows the reversal of roles when life’s problems overwhelms us. It is Christ who presses against the forces of darkness to provide a timely touch that will change our situation for the better. As seen with Daniel (Daniel 10:13), even Michael the archangel will be dispatched, if necessary, to overcome  every opposition that attempts to withhold the answers to our prayers.  

It is a fact. Christ and His army of angelic hosts always triumph over the devil and his cohorts. Light always pushes back darkness. As seen in the painting, contrasting colours are used to reinforce this fact.

May this piece of art be a reminder that Jesus can ‘mend’ all the ‘ broken pieces’ that life’s storms create. The resulting picture, after His timely touch, always look brighter and better. Hope in Jesus! His love for us  never fails. Be blessed.

Posted/Updated: 20^th August, 2019.

Kindly share on  your social media  and  invite your family and friends to view this exhibition. Thank you.   

View next painting 'In Deep.'