Thursday, March 13, 2008




Unbinding Lazarus III
Acrylic on canvas
7 x 9 in.
2008

These three paintings titled "Unbinding Lazarus" are based on the preceding black and white "Lazarus" series and they portray another allegorical interpretation of the unbinding of Lazarus. Mary and Martha are depicted as two small, elderly nuns praying for their younger brother. Christ watches over the scene, gesturing for silence and peace. A woman, perhaps a personification of healing grace, unbinds Lazarus in a dark pool. This pool is a symbol for the tomb, and is also a reference to the origins of the name Dublin, “Dubh Linn,” or “dark pool.” A large dark lake was once located in this part of Dublin.

(*please see the text accompanying the black and white "Lazarus" paintings in the next posts, for more information on the symbolism and historical information related to these three pieces)



Unbinding Lazarus II
Acrylic on canvas
7 x 9 in.
2008

(*this piece is part of a series of six works of this subject -- please see other pieces for text regarding the symbolism and historical settings in these works)



Unbinding Lazarus I
Acrylic on canvas
9 x 7 in.
2008

(*this piece is part of a series of six works of this subject -- please see other pieces for text regarding the symbolism and historical settings in these works)