As an art professor at a university, my research is practice-based; I make art and investigate theories and theologies of it. Important in my dissertation had been Heidegger’s essay, “The Origin of the Work of Art,” where he describes art as a happening of truth, aletheia – an unconcealing. This concept continues to find significance for me.
Recently I exhibited a small two-part mini-series entitled: Imaginal Disc 1: Goo of Lament (pictured above on right), and Imaginal Disc 2: Raising of Lazarus (pictured above on left).
The Viewer Can Participate
Working toward the last faculty exhibit, I found inspiration in the art of two friends of my family. The first was the painting Jesus Raises Lazarus from the Dead, by Edward Knippers. In it, Jesus, wrapped in white, reaches out to touch his friend.
I imagine this moment where the decay process is reversed, and strips of linen unravel. In my stained glass version, I cut several options and eventually placed a mirror where Lazarus’ face would be so the viewer can participate in the life-giving moment.
It Was Awful
The other one was inspired by photographer Glenn Howell’s documentation of the monarch butterfly lifecycle in his garden. I closely had followed his posts, anticipating the day the chrysalis would crack open. I identified with and began researching the chrysalis phase. It was awful!
But I loved the fact that tiny slivers called “imaginal discs” or cells, unnecessary to the caterpillar, were integral through metamorphosis to become the butterfly. When I read about the imaginal discs inside the chrysalis, it resonated with me.
A Major Goo Experience
I had experienced a major goo phase several years ago including relational traumas and grieved losses. In the chrysalis image, I connected with how God saw slivers of faith in me and was at work to remove sludge to reconstruct and transform what remained into new life.
As in the Lazarus image, what went dormant in me was given life.
The incarnation changes everything. The paradox of divinity in dust and God in human terms is outrageous and exactly what we need.
We need the God who unravels death’s wraps, who is able to do more than we can imagine, and who transforms us.
