Contemporary
The adage that states "a picture is worth a thousand words-" was clearly speaking of Mary Mary Quite Contrary. This provacative painting explores the relationship between Mary Magdalene and the Virgin Mary: Lover and Mother, Prostitute and Perpetual Virgin as signified by the early fathers of the Catholic Church.
Interestingly enough, this relationship mirrors the much older Gnostic dictate that describes the "Decent of Sophia" which reflects on the soul journey from perfect being, descending to the earthy plane where an awareness of false self sets in. Temptation through the vehicle of free will is the cause of her fall into the depths of human struggle where she is shown as a prostitute-living on the dark side. Yet it is this dark side that brings the brightness and beauty of her true self to the light and she ascends back to the cosmos to be forever joined with her perfectness. The ascension of Mary and the restoration of her virginity became dogma in 1950.
Symbolically the tree represents the motif from the Garden of Eden that led to self awareness and free will with the snake seen as temptation. The two Marys are adrift floating toward a rebirth as seen in the butterfly. The donkey represents the stubborn wieght of dogma which resists new wisdom and change as it weighs down the spiritual evolution of mankind. Depending on your personal view of this image-the donkey can be seen either as a background image standing onshore that the spirit journey is now bypassing or firmly planted in the center of the boat depicting a literal reading of this dogma as actual fact. The bloody hand prints across the habit gown of the virgin reminds us of the millions of souls persecuted and slaughtered in the advancement of dogma.--Lynden St. Victor
"There is an edge to these works, whether it be an injection of mystery, cynicism, or a reveling in the mundane-the beauty of the dark shines bright."
Sizes: 11 X 14 Metallic Edition Print/Comes matted & dedicated $95
Fine Art Paper editions of 250 NOW Available $175-$450
Canvases starting at $850:
ALL canvases are hand embellished to varying degrees -depending on image approximately: 18 X 24, 20, 30 X 40, 36 X 48 and up are available.
A portion of the proceeds of every sale go to Under Dog Rescue, a non profit foundation rescuing death row shelter dogs. Original and graphic art by Lynden St. Victor is represented exclusively at POP Gallery in Santa Fe, NM.
Inquire about mural sizes, personalizations and commission opportunities with POP Gallery at 505.820.0788.
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