The Stations as Modern Icons

The Stations as Modern Icons

Contemporary Faces on the Via Dolorosa

Contemporary Faces on the Via Dolorosa

LOCATION

The University Chapel, Duke University, Durham NC

YEAR

2019

CLIENT

Duke University

14 large wooden panels depict Jesus's Journey to the Cross with contemporary figures rendered in muted browns. The gold paint of the background evokes the icon tradition, while the deep red of the outer panels calls to mind the rich colors of Medieval images. Old Testament texts at the bottom of each panel are passages traditionally considered to "prefigure" the Passion. The sole New Testament text, for the Crucifixion, is the Christ Hymn from Philippians 5:2-11. Each panel is 65" high, 24" wide, and 2" deep. The figures are painted on an arched inset, recessed 1/4" into the outer frame of each panel. The images highlight Jesus' strength in the face of suffering and the intimacy of his encounters with others on his Way to the Cross.

See www.margaretadamsparker.com for the complete set of Stations, with details. The Stations are also featured in a Lenten video, produced by Virginia Theological Seminary's Lifelong Learning and available in English and Spanish. Links to these YouTube are also on the artist's website.

The Bible Museum at the Biedenharn Museum, in Monroe, Louisiana, held the preview exhibition of the Stations paintings, which were on view along with Parker's woodcut Stations and Gib Singleton's sculpted Stations.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Jordyn Raia for Old Town Editions