Bob Booth's Paintings On Display During Lent

A triptych by Bob Booth entitled Crucifixion, Deposition, and Resurrection of Christ is to be displayed in the Cathedral's North Transept for the duration of Lent.

The Revd Dr Peter Sellick, of Coondle Art Presentations, writes:

"The creator of these three paintings is Bob Booth, an Anglican priest who paints for a living. Bob is one of those few individuals who has the theological understanding and the artistic capability to represent images of the faith that enhance our worship.  This series is a major attempt at reinterpreting the central images of Christianity, the deposition, the crucifixion, and the resurrection. The three paintings each measure 153 x 110 cm.

The central painting of the Crucifixion uses images from Psalm 22. The figure of Christ is diminutive and is threatened by an enormous bull and a dog. The face of Christ is close to that of the bull. The head of the dog is likewise close to Christ’s face and is elevated as if howling.  One can only tremble at the plight of Christ who is face to face with all of the power and the violence of the world.

The Deposition is the saddest painting I have ever seen. Christ is supported by two figures; his head slumped in death.  The figure to the left looks to heaven as if asking God for an explanation.  That of the right has Christ’s arm draped over his shoulders supporting him and is looking into his face as if in conversation or inquiry.

The Resurrection is the most difficult subject for an artist because there are no biblical descriptions of the event. The Resurrection simultaneously represents the defeat of death, the raising of the crucified one and the presence of Christ with his church in the Spirit.  Bob told me that he did not want to have “the same old Jesus back again,” but how to avoid that?  His solution is to have the risen Christ surrounded by radiance pointing with one hand out of the canvas towards the crucifixion and the other raised towards the three observers in blessing.  With this arrangement both aspects of the resurrection are portrayed, cross and presence are held together. We, the viewer, join the three witnessing figures, their clothes splashed with light.

All three paintings, while adhering to the traditional subject matter, bring new insights into the passion and resurrection of Christ that are heightened by Bob’s painterly style."

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The artworks are to be installed in the North Transept on Sunday 19 February and will be officially launched at 5.00pm Choral Evensong.  Following the service, drinks will be served and the artist himself will speak about the paintings.