05/07/2014
Three Works To Be Exhibited In 2014 Westmoreland Arts Nationals
Three of my works were chosen to be featured as part of the 2014 Westmoreland Arts Nationals. The show opening will be Saturday, May 31 2014 from 7- 9 pm. Juror Jorge Luis Porrata, Profesor at George Mason University, chose
Temptation,
Celestial Event, and
In Search Of to be part of this wonderful exhibition. Two of the works will also be exhibited at the Westmoreland Arts And Heritage Festival. Below is the image,
Temptation with part of its accompanying artist statement. I have included detailed images of the work as well because of its massive scale and immense content. To freely explore the work in more detail please use the link provided.
* http://www.christopherruane.com/Set/Sacred-Art-Modern-World/Temptation *
Temptation is a modern interpretation of one of Christ’s trials, as a human being. At this one moment, we are led to experience the image in an almost hallucinogenic way through the eyes of someone who has not eaten in 40 days, the battle between good and evil, and Christ’s prophecy.
The piece must be studied to reveal subtle symbols and concepts. The viewer is asked to step into Christ’s vision where he sees that people will look to false sources of power before God. Trees become demons, clouds become the Kingdom of the World, and the rocks in the desert become the people he must die to save. The rose growing out of Christ’s chest represents the five wounds suffered during crucifixion, the presence and miracle of God, and the blood of Christian martyrs. The capital building represents our society, to whom we look for our needs to be met, fragile as clouds, weakened by temptation.
Like the rock he holds, Christ knows that without his personal sacrifice, his people will be nothing more than soulless stones.
