Law

The image shows two rectangular pieces of textured gold metal, placed parallel to each other on a plain white background. The metal surface features an intricate, irregular pattern that gives it a dynamic, almost tactile appearance.

The image shows two rectangular pieces of textured gold metal, placed parallel to each other on a plain white background. The metal surface features an intricate, irregular pattern that gives it a dynamic, almost tactile appearance.

Name/Title

Law

Entry/Object ID

2017.13.1

Type of Print

Collagraph

Category

On-Display at Calvin Seminary, Abstract, Design/Pattern/Shape

Made/Created

Artist

Sandra Bowden

Date made

1994

Dimensions

Dimension Description

image size

Height

18 in

Width

14 in

Dimension Description

frame size

Height

26 in

Width

22 in

General Notes

Note

Expanded Wall Label: The rich surface is a Hebrew text from the Ten Commandments, created by layering gold leafing on the collagraph print, then adding colored iridescent craypas repeatedly to the raised areas. The Word of God consists of both Law--which reveals our mortal failures--and Gospel, which proclaims the forgiveness of sin through the unfathomable grace of God. Christians believe God assumed human flesh in Jesus Christ, who died as a sacrifice and the atonement for the sins of the world. The broken tablets of the broken Law give way to the cross. With one additional horizontal cut, the tablets of the Law become four quadrants, suggesting a cross. Jesus said he came to fulfill the Law. When we have finished an item on our list of items to be done, we put a line through it, marking it done. This is what I was thinking as I took the Law, marked it done, with a horizontal line, only to see a cross appear.