Senior Art Exhibit 2007: Katherine Carroll

Katherine Carroll

Jesus Christ is reflected in us when we are transformed into his image by His saving grace. As we are now, we are unable to clearly see ourselves, and God' purpose for us.1 Corinthians 13:9-12 says, "For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears… Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known." One day, we will see clearly.

The curtain of squares represents us, either individually, or as all of humanity. We were made to resemble Jesus Christ, as the squares resemble the larger, perfect square mirrors found on the cross. The mirror medium allows us to see ourselves in the art. The mirrors around the opening through which we can see the cross are of increasing scale, allowing us to see ourselves more clearly. In my own life, it is when I am walking closest to Jesus that I see Him in me. Sin separates us from God. It makes us see ourselves for what we are at present, and not for what He has created and saved us to be. The further the squares are from Him, the smaller they become, the less we are able to see Him reflected in us.

While the curtain wall symbolizes humanity as in the world now, the area beyond the curtain represents Heaven. Here the squares are found again, at the foot of the cross, white and perfected. It is home to those of us who accept Christ.

There is a repetition of three throughout the design of my installation. The Trinity consists of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. The three void areas in the center of the curtain wall allow us to stand and see through to the white cross, which represents Jesus as He is in Heaven. The void is located in the center of the body of Christ. He is the focus.

White represents purity, innocence, and that which is holy. Jesus is the perfect Lamb of God, the only acceptable sacrifice. The dark wood integrated in the cross references the actual cross on which He was hung. The Word says His scars will always remain. The dark wood is also seen in curtain squares closest to Jesus. The mirrors are only found on the squares where there is dark wood because we cannot see Jesus in us if we don't accept what He did on the cross for us. It is because of the cross that God is able to see Jesus when He looks at us.

Jesus Christ is everywhere, holding every thing together, as does the clear fishing line infrastructure. Unless we look closely, we cannot see Him. Colossians 1:17 says, "He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together."

During the Easter season the world remembers and celebrates the resurrection of Jesus. He lives! He is with His Father in Heaven. He is alive in the hearts of those who believe in Him. The day is coming when He will return for us.

"Arise, shine, for your Light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you.
See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the LORD rises upon you and His glory appears over you.

Nations will come to your Light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn…

Then you will look and be radiant, your heart will throb and swell with joy; the wealth on the seas will be brought to you, to you the riches of the nations will come…

The sun will no more be your light by day, nor will the brightness of the moon shine on you, for the LORD will be your everlasting Light, and your God will be your glory."

-Isaiah 60:1-19