Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Picture of God


This photograph is a portrayal (albeit a limited one) of God. More specifically, it is a portrayal of the triune God of the Bible. In periods of art history God has been portrayed rather grandly, glowing with halo overhead. As time progressed however, we see God (Jesus specifically) being depicted as a more average person. This was offensive to many as Jesus started to look more like a peasant. This photograph takes this idea one step further and portrays each part of God through various parts of the human body. The Father is represented as hands. The Son as feet. The Holy Spirit as lips.

When I thought about each side of God, these are the parts I imagined. The hands that represent the Father convey creation, molding, touch. The feet are meant to remind us that Jesus walked the earth as a man; human feet are unique in form. The lips represent the Holy Spirit, who reminds me of breath, comfort, and giving of wisdom. I choose to represent God with human parts, not to diminish his deity, but to echo the message that we are made in God's image.

Of course, there can never be a perfect representation of God. Taking a picture of Him is impossible. However, I hope to convey the beautiful characteristics of the triune God, while reminding us that it is marvelous that we are made in His image. We are fearfully and wonderfully made!

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