"The Yellow Christ"

About the painting

I have called this painting "The Yellow Christ" because it is simple and descriptive. It could also be called: "Cross and Resurrection", for that is what it is about. The treatment is oil on canvas with palette knife and the original that hangs in Heyford at Morley Retreat and Conference House, measures 4ft X2ft.

It is semi-abstract and "expressionist" in approach, deliberately trying to keep detail to a minimum and let the sweeps of pigment speak for themselves. The upraised arms suggest Jesus hanging from the cross, but any suggestion of a cross has been left out to emphasise that he is no longer hanging, but is risen. This also therefore expresses arms raised in praise, adoration and worship. The predominant colour is yellow which as a primary colour has great impact and is very positive. Worked into this are streaks of red suggesting both blood and pain as Jesus gave his life for you and me.

There is also a suggestion in red of a crown of thorns on a bowed head. The background is a dark mixture of blue with occasional lighter streaks. This hints at the darkness that almost overwhelmed Jesus and which is a constant reality in the Christian life today.

The lighter touches remind us how Jesus brings life and life more abundantly. This mood is picked up by the lighter streaks penetrating both the darkness and the body of Jesus. They can be interpreted in two ways. First they can be seen as elements of darkness attempting to pierce and destroy Jesus and Christian faith generally. Secondly we can view them as light shining out from the crucified, resurrected body of Jesus, bringing light and life to the darkness.

It is a reminder that there are no short-cuts in the Christian life. For anybody wanting to experience the glorious primary colours of life and ministry in the power of the Holy Spirit, this is only possible through embracing the way of Jesus. This involves letting go of all selfish aim and ambition, and surrendering to Jesus on the cross. Then and only then can the paradox at the heart of Christendom begin to happen: that in dying we actually become more alive than we can possibly imagine.

William Mather
June 2002