Finding Christ in Culture at the Dali Exhibit at The High Museum of Art

John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish,but have everlasting life.




On Thursday, December 30, I went to The High Museum of Art in Atlanta to view the late works of Salvador Dali. The painting that captivated my attention was St John of the Cross. At this time in art it was very out of the ordinary for an artist to include religious imagery in their work. It just wasn't done. At least until the great Dali returned to his Catholic faith in 1951. Dali was able to see a sketch St John had drawn,but it was the unique angle of the picture that resonated with Dali. The angle of the painting is breathtaking because when it is viewed it gives the impression of being seen from above. As I took in the marvel of the painting with my mouth agape and experienced a time of worship I thought "Who am I in relation to the Christ depicted in the painting." Who do we think we are?" Here in 2011 it is apparent that no matter how secularized we have become that Christ and the cross still has the power to astound, and speak to the core of the human experience,because Dali chose to showcase the mystery of Jesus Christ,front and center for countless thousands of viewers.The aspect of Christ on the cross is exhibited and gloriously displayed in the cultural art movement of surrealism which Dali so bravely explored. The painting is for me a call to the sacred yet reality of Jesus Christ in a medium outside of scripture. In fact I believe by seeing the painting,hearing the audio commentary about the work,and the Holy Spirit moving upon the heart that it is possible to make a profession of faith in Christ through the work St John of the Cross by Salvador Dali. Because the individual held upon the cross looks like an average person it is possible to see oneself upon the cross,since we know Christ died for all.