This was painted from the 26” X 18” drawing of 1970, which was one of a series of drawings of the time that I called ‘Psychadelic’. This one had a uncompromising view of the crucifixion with Jesus Christ carrying the cross assisted by Joseph of Aramathea.
This is a symbolic work depicting the passion of Christ. The severely pointed and rugged cross empathises the brutality of the act of crucifixion.
The lack of structure in this drawing emphasises the drama of the event almost creates a vortex which Christ and his cross is being drawn through at great velocity. The formality and movement of this work echoes that of medieval wall frescoes such as those of the last judgement as seen in the church of Chaldon in Surrey.
Symbolically the cross in the hands of Jesus has become a weapon with which Jesus will create the Christian church through his own crucifixion.
In the painting can be seen the influence of artists such as Stanley Spencer and James Ensor. It was clear to me at the time an oil painting could not carry the image. By 2006 however my new drawn painting style was able to make it work.
