Karnataka - Mangalore   

Christ and his journey depicted on canvas

Exquisite: One of the paintings of Philip V. D'Mello at the Orchid Art Gallery in Mangalore.

Mangalore: With Good Friday around the corner the painting exhibition “Reflections” at Orchid Art Gallery is perfectly timed. The ten day exhibition, which started on April 14, showcases 27 paintings of Philip V. D'Mello.

His paintings depict Christ and his journey, the pain and the humiliation Christ underwent for the good of mankind. Of the 27 paintings, 18 are in Indian ink on paper and eight are using water colours.

Mr. Philip's water colour paintings depict Christ's journey through crucification, these paintings show crucified Jesus in various forms, and the last hours of his life. Most of the water colour paintings have a mix of yellow, blue, red, black, and brown in a such a way that it brings forth the melancholy in an intense form.

Most of his paintings in Indian ink have only the face of Jesus depicting the feeling of sorrow and pain.

The Indian ink paintings are done in shades of black, signifying the mood of the hour during Good Friday-the day to commemorate crucifixation of Jesus.

One painting shows Christ with his head bent down slightly in a thoughtful pose, possible symbolism to show that he knows what lies ahead, he knows that he is going to be crucified.

In another painting Christ is shown with thorns tied around his head with a worn out look, and pain writ large on his face. Probably signifying his understanding that he knows that the people assaulting him have their limitations in understanding life, and he is sad to see their ignorance.

While another one has Christ on the ground with his eyes closed, the cross tied to him and sleeping in a foetus position. Buildings and trees form the backdrop, as a metaphor to show that he has left the human civilization behind, and at the same time the foetal position could be an indication that he is the child of the God and it is time to be united with the supreme power.

Mr. Philip has held solo exhibitions in Mumbai, Mangalore, and Switzerland, and group exhibitions in Delhi, Mumbai, and Germany.

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