Temple Cleansing
Festivals//Easter//Church Festival Decoration
Date: 2005
Medium: Acrylic
A series of paintings in which the use of colour, symbolism and evocative shapes and feelings express my thoughts about the Easter story. 'Temple Cleansing' pictures the explosive effect of Jesus' going into the temple (Matt. 21 v. 16-17) and vehemently denouncing the greed and overbearing regulations that had perverted God's plan for His house (Isa. 47 v. 1 ff). Nine sheep run away. One returns to show gratitude (cf. Luke 17 v. 12 ff). Water flows according to Ezekiel's vision (Ezek. 47 v. 1 ff), and prison doors fly open (Luke 4 v. 18). Furniture legs (bottom centre) form a reminder of the Crucifixion.