Mixed media oilgraph on canvas with blood // 36” x 36"

Here, before all eyes, Jesus is stripped of everything.

“For what cannot be taken?

We all know
but so much has already...

An ocean of eyes stare
in horror
in dark curiosity
and now some
for the first time
look away

Legs like withering vines
you feel your tide
pull back from its shore
growing colder
and waiting for the final wave
to crush your breath into the air

Clothes torn and gambled away
like trophies from a hunt
and there are no winners

(Father forgive...)

And how do you strip a God?

He chooses to let you”

***

I had created a Station Ten two years prior in 2003 for an exhibition at Fuller seminary and it was that work that led to creating this series.

Just moments from being nailed to the cross and entirely helpless, I directed Paolo (Jesus) to entirely collapse, placing his full weight into the soldiers’ arms.

JESUS: Paolo Durrazzo
SOLDIERS: Rod Ramsey and Cameron Church