This piece, which portrays the crucifixion of our Lord, Jesus Christ, was completed as an homage to how Christ prepares us for the crosses we are called to bear in our own lives, and in the manner he did at the crucifixion.
In this striking portrayal, Christ is depicted in the throes of crucifixion with a visceral, vibrant realism that starkly contrasts with the ethereal, sepia-toned abstract backdrop. The figure of Christ, rendered with meticulous detail and profound expressiveness, captures both the physical agony and the transcendent serenity of His final moments pre-resurrection.
Suspended from the cross, He is enshrouded in a ghostly, dim fog, through which His famous seven last words seem to emerge and recede. These words, integral to the narrative of His final moments, are interwoven into the composition in a manner that is both subtle and profound, as if whispered through the mists of time.
In the colors, textures, and forms of this piece, the artist seeks to encapsulate the manner and grace with which Christ saved us from hell and the grave. When we voluntarily commit to dying unto our old selves and thrust upon Christ all of our shortcomings, doubts, weaknesses and sin, through his charitable sacrifice, he empowers us to live in a more robust manner. Amidst the dark hues of the modern age, there are bursts of light, hope, renewal, and the unyielding power of faith which is available to us through the cross, and this piece is a testament to the belief that when one aligns their will with the Divine, they are reborn into a life of profound purpose and vibrancy.
Adding a deeper layer of symbolism, the Greek letters Alpha and Omega are masterfully incorporated into the scene. These symbols, representing the beginning and the end, frame Christ's figure, subtly alluding to the eternal nature of His being and the cyclical continuity of life, death, and rebirth.
Adrift from faith for a decade, artist Jordan Ring-Sakabe found his way back to Christianity at the pivotal age of 33. This age held a special significance, mirroring the age at which Christ endured his Passion. This was not only a return to faith but for Jordan, a solemn commitment to dedicate his painting ability to the enrichment of God's Kingdom on Earth.
Simultaneously, this year of his life marked the most challenging yet transformative period in the artist's life thus far, and the painting seeks to capture not just the agony of Christ's crucifixion but also the universal journey of overcoming personal 'crucifixions' that everyone endures. It is a visual narrative of transformation – how, through embracing our crosses and surrendering to a higher will, one undergoes a metaphorical resurrection. This resurrection is not just a biblical concept but a tangible, lived experience of emerging renewed and empowered from the depths of one's trials.
Thus, this painting is not just a reflection of Christ's sacrifice; it is a mirror to the artist's soul, a narrative of their journey, and an invitation to the viewer to find their own path through personal crucifixions to a resurrection into a life of deeper meaning and joy.
Reproduced from the artist's original artwork of oil on canvas.
