The Empty Tomb
A Deacon in the Anglican Church, David took up painting as a spiritual practice in 2016. Influenced primarily by Aboriginal art and the work of Paul Klee, he has developed a style that incorporates the use of dots with mosaic-like patterns and abstract concepts. He considers his artwork part of his vocation in ministry, drawing on pastoral experiences and engagement with scripture to inform the prayerful conversation he has with any given canvas, making meaning of his journeys with God. A common theme, conveyed by the use of shard shapes and fragments, is brokenness, but holy brokenness, wherein we find the veil between divinity and humanity is at its thinnest; we locate the presence of Christ when we are working with what is broken. The majority of canvases used in his work are recycled or at least acquired from op shops, as a way of giving new life to what may have been unwanted or forgotten.
This painting draws on inspiration from John’s Gospel, where John (red) reaches the tomb of Jesus first, but doesn’t go in. While Peter (blue) rushes inside to see what has become of Christ’s body. It is painted in acrylics on canvas and is 80cm x 800cm. It is unframed and has a hook/wire for hanging. The painting weighs approx. 1kg