From crosses to cracked golden vessels, the Visual Arts Center gallery Portsmouth, Va. creatively interprets the lessons of the Ten Commandments. The art pieces are crafted in a moving array of mixed media.
This exhibit is open to the public, but for those who have a religious foundation this exhibition provides a deep and meaningful experience.
The small placards describing individual creations by the artists are both enlightening and thought-provoking. These express the artist’s thought process during creation, and it opens a window to their personal insight into the particular commandment chosen.
Anne Baker crafted interesting messages using mixed media. In “Bending the Truth,” a cross with the word “TRUTH” printed on it, is settled on a shelf with three drawers at its foundation. The drawers read: gossip, lies, truth. The cross is surrounded by figures, and one in particular is tied to the cross.
“This commandment demands an absolute commitment to truth, yet truth is being tugged at by lies, gossip and slander. One must tuck away untruths into drawers in order to obey this commandment,” Baker writes. As her audience, the message of Baker’s art in was both compelling and inspirational.
Robert Sikes’s “Pin the Tail on the Donkey” is a large print from a master drawing, a cartoon with modern messages, which will not go unnoticed. In this piece a well manicured donkey is adorned with jewelry, and Mercedes symbol. Not only is the message, poignant and humorous, but extraordinarily plain in truth. Sikes even provides extra tails to “play the game.”
Bill Wagner paints a picture “Them and Us.” The piece shows two sides at war with one another. The piece speaks an unavoidable truth about demanding one’s views while avoiding unity. The unity would in turn call for peace and enlightenment.
“The Hypocrite,” by Genez Malebranche, a beautiful cracked golden vessel over a graying interior vessel is handsomely crafted, along with “The Devil Made Me Do It,” a series of vessels spoiled by a dot of dribbling blood. On the place card, Malebranche explains that the pieces represent the consequence of our actions, which inevitably have a ripple effect, and serve to wound those closest to us.
There are several artists, all whose work requires the serious regard of the viewer. This is a contemplative, life-expanding presentation.
All works are for sale, ranging from $160.00-$4,000.00.
Admission is free. Located at, 340 High St. in Portsmouth, Va., the gallery is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.
For more information, call (757) 822-1888.
