During January, the Catwalk Community Gallery is proud to present Crucifixion Series: Defining Love. The show contains a collection of new paintings created by Appalachian Art Department Painting Student Aaron Smith. Smith is a senior in the Bachelor of Fine Arts Program with a concentration in Painting. This particular body of work is inspired by his personal meditations on the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, and its implications for love.
Through the Scorn by Aaron Smith (2005). Wood, acrylic, and mixed media.
Artist statement
“This particular body of work is inspired by my personal meditations on the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Continuing to be most shaped by my faith in Christ crucified, I have made it my goal to connect more deeply with Him through understanding the events of the cross. What I find most compelling is how Jesus has defined love through this single act of complete selflessness. Jesus knew that our deepest needs are met through a union with God. Jesus knew that this union had been broken through our choice to seek fulfillment elsewhere. Despite our lacking love, Christ sacrificed His life that our union with God may be restored. Jesus now offers this eternally satisfying union with God even today. I know of no other more loving act.
“Multiple layers of acrylic paint on plywood grain create the depth of surface. Smooth areas of white and colorful hues represent God’s attributes of purity, radiance, mercy, grace, and redemption. On the other hand, carved areas of pitch darkness represent evil, sin, and death that have been overcome by Christ’s crucifixion. These contrasting surface areas reflect the drama and eternal importance of the cross.”