‘Confrontational’ show opens
An exhibition described as confrontational will be exhibited in Geraldine’s St Mary’s church to mark Lent.
Vicar of Geraldine Reverend Tony Kippax said The Last Supper by John Badcock, 13 panels of self portraits measuring 13 metres long, would be a backdrop to services during Lent, which was a time of reflection and selfexamination before Easter – the most important festival of the Christian calendar as it commemorates Jesus’ betrayal, crucifixion and resurrection.
‘‘The work is confrontational. It’s the sort of thing that brings people to ask who they are and where they sit in relationship to God,’’ Kippax said.
He said the portraits by the Geraldine artist, some of which had a lot of black, were challenging in light of scripture and some parishioners had reservations about them.
The reverend was not surprised some people could be mortally offended over why the artwork was in the church as it was a place to worship God, not Badcock.
‘‘Church is a place to be comforted and provoked,’’ he said.
Reverend Kippax said some of the portraits he couldn’t ‘‘not look at’’. Dark images, a half lit face from above and a silhouette offered an intensely personal experience, he said.
Badcock said he expected some people would find his art confronting. He said it was still relevant today, although he painted the work in 2001 and 2002 after a trip to Europe where he saw fresco works in Assisi.
‘‘It’s really the placement of myself questioning the whole table thing, people behind the mask. Looking at everyone and deciding who to trust and who’s going to blow up the world.’’
Badcock is not involved in the church but has some understanding of Christianity because his grandfather was a Presbyterian minister.
He said it was up to others to reflect, comment and bring their own interpretation to his art. ‘‘It’s not just a pretty thing sitting on a wall . . . it can shake you around or give you pleasure.’’
The Last Supper was first displayed in Christ Church Cathedral in 2003, then the Aigantighe Art Gallery before it was exhibited around the country.
It will be at St Mary’s in Geraldine for public viewing from now to Good Friday, April 10.