Christ’s Sacrifice, Anush Babayan, H: 27.75″

Description

Christ’s Sacrifice is a visual meditation on divine redemption. At the center of the painting stands a symbolic Tree of Life rooted deep into the earth, with branches outstretched into concentric circles of color and light. Drawing from the mysticism of her Armenian Christian background, Babayan uses colorful layers of vibrant orange, red and cooling blue to evoke the physical suffering and spiritual transcendence of the crucifixion.

In an interview with the artist, Anush shared that this painting was created after reading the following lines written by Armenian poet Grigor Narekatsi approximately one millennium ago:

The Lord is omniscient, blessed, praised, 

Glorified by all things in the universe,

All that we are to accomplish, 

All that we are to do is ordained by your will. 

O Lord, the way of purification 

Thou dost guide me in my doubts. 

And lead me to the gates of salvation, 

Be satisfied and rejoice. 

The purpose of Thy servant’s song 

is neither praise nor glory,

My words are but a plea, 

By which I long for salvation.