BYU MOA

This week, I visited the "Types and Shadows: Intimations of Divinity" exhibit at the BYU Museum of Art, and it was a treat. Rita Wright showed us the paintings, but before entering the exhibit, we talked a little bit about what to expect. Many things in the world suggest a type of Christ, or hint at aspects of His Gospel and the Plan of Salvation.

The first piece that struck me at the exhibit was one depicting Christ, the veil, and another person. Christ was behind the veil reaching out, and his arm was partially covered by the veil but the tip of his hand reached out from behind it. It seemed like a line (or rod) shot forth from his hand across the piece. The other person was either falling or grabbing hold of the rod. In my opinion, he was grabbing on, though just barely. His other hand covered his heart, as if he were in pain. The most symbolic part of the painting I did not notice, but our guide pointed it out to me. While Christ's right arm reached through the veil, his other arm was also raised to the left, holding his body in the shape of the cross, extending in both directions forever.

I also loved "Exchange No. 8," by Ron Richmond. The textures are absolutely beautiful, though the symbolism of the painting was not clear to me at first. At the center of the painting stands a chair covered by a white cloth. Another chair has been knocked down directly in front of it, and was covered by a red cloth. There are many ways to interpret the symbolism in the painting, but I feel that the standing chair covered in white represents Christ. I am the fallen chair covered by the red cloth. The white symbolizes the purity and innocence of Jesus, and the chair stands as his throne or symbol of power. Since I am imperfect and guilty in many ways, I am in a fallen state, but the blood of Christ can cover my imperfections, and help me become as he is. I also loved that all around the edge of the painting, a faintly drawn circle can be seen, drawing attention to the center, which is Christ.

My favorite piece in the exhibit was at the very end, titled "Jesus and Mary: The Moment After," by Trevor Southey. The backdrop is a stunning dark mural made up of several different colors, and the painting is divided into three sections. The first shows a pile of sheets rolled around some sort of object, probably a person. I suppose this alludes to a body before resurrection, and is still under the bondage of death. The central panel shows Christ, covered in surreal colors running like veins over his skin. Mary was in the third panel, ghostly pale, and staring anxiously at Christ. My favorite part are two flowers that the artist placed between Jesus and Mary, symbolizing each of them. Mary is symbolized by the red rose, flowering slowly and gracefully, while Jesus is symbolized by the almond blossom, bursting forth suddenly in its beauty. I found the colors to be beautiful and the symbolism powerful, and I enjoyed the exhibit as a whole.