Iris O'Keefe

Lamb of God

Acrylic, Posca Pen, Gold Leaf, Pen

My artwork is an exploration of Christian themes found in the Holy Bible. These themes are those of sacrifices, redemption, and the struggle of holiness when faced with sin. These themes are shown through symbolic imagery. The Lamb, or The Lamb of God, represents Jesus Christ. Whose white wool that symbolizes purity, innocence, and life is stained with a splatter of blood that represents the sacrifice the lamb must make for the sin of man. It is positioned in the center, reflecting Christ’s role as the sacrificial lamb that divides the holiness of the dove from the human corruption the goat embodies. It is calm and stoic, which expresses the obedience and love Jesus Christ had for his sacrifice rather than resistance in his final moments. Isaiah 53:7 “He was oppressed and afflicted yet he did not open his mouth he was led like a lamb to the slaughter.”

The dove positioned at the top left side is the Holy Spirit. Its halo symbolizes its divinity, guidance and holiness as it lifts the gold barbed wire from the lambs side to try and ease its pain. The dove is also very close to the lamb, and shares a similar colour palette, displaying unity within the trinity and reinforces the idea that Christ’s sacrifice was guided with support. The rest of the Gold elements represents Gods everlasting authority.

The Goat is meant to be the representation of sin. It is much darker and sharper then the rest of the animals, these features help symbolize corruption, pride, and darkness. The interaction the goat has with the lamb, taking a bite out of the lamb, represents the violent intention sin has against innocence, the corruption of the lambs wool, and emphasis on the injustice of the suffering of Christ.

Lastly I chose a deep blue background, so to not place this scene in an earthy frame, but to signify that this is a divine and spiritual struggle that conflicts in us all. Whether you are religious or not, the struggle between morality is an infinite battle that hides behind closed doors. My artwork is meant to convey the presence of that struggle, of the cost of salvation and the everlasting presence grace has in the face of evil.