This painting is called Courage 3.0 and I immediately saw Madonna and Child despite the contemporary setting and a person of colour as the mother. Maybe it's similar to the novels which offer us another perspective on a story so steeped in tradition we struggle to see or hear them any more. I want to be constantly awake to the meaning of Christ in my life, not lulled by familiarity. As I said a couple of days ago, I don't want irreverence, but I'm not keen on false piety either.
Does this depiction intrigue or jar you? Would it be offensive to hang it in a church? Could it be an object of devotion or spiritual focus?
The image intrigues me, the proud and watchful Mother holding (protecting) her child could be an object of spirtual focus but not sure re an object of devotion, unless it is the devotion of a child to a Mother who is there for them and constant. I don't see this at all as offensive to hang in a church, very thought provoking. What did jar me was the the low lying, vicious animal behind the chair (ready to rise up/attack at any moment} and what does this represent really? The contrast of beautiful butterflies floating high above this ugly creature below is hopeful and inspiring. Is this Mom experiencing despair and hope at the same time, alternating depending on her circustances? So much to see in one image, so much to imagine her going through and what about the child, what does life hold for him/her?
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