Francis' predecessor, His Holiness Benedict XVI, in
a noteworthy address to the artists of the current era,
called for new artwork, in contemporary media that reflect
contemporary aesthetics and address the Christian
narrative.
This author, in response to Benedict XVI's request,
commissioned a work of contemporary, indeed, avantgarde, photography. This work by Bill Armstrong
comprises a triptych of The Last Supper. Christ and
the Apostles are blurred, they appear to be in a state of
transformation. A band of color—gold, blue or magenta—
is placed at the top of each image, symbolizing the Trinity.
In carved classic frames, without mats, these modern
images, vague descendants more of David and Ingres
than Leonardo and Michelangelo, convey in substantial
contemporary artistic terms a significant spiritual moment
evidenced in Communion.
Pope Benedict XVI writes insightfully in his book The Feast
of Faith on liturgy, and particularly on the Eucharist and the
moment of Transubstantiation. Consistent with his wish
for thought-provoking contemporary art, the then Pope
accepted the Hyland triptych of the Last Supper by Bill
Above: The Hyland triptych of the Last Supper by Bill
Armstrong. The color bands represent the trinity.
HYLAND
