Luz Art proudly announces the presentation of “Imago Dei” at the Venice Biennale, running from July 1st to July 21st, 2024. This distinguished group exhibition will delve into the profound theme of creation, offering diverse interpretations of the image of God. The curated selection of artworks will reflect on the divine essence of individuality and our unique status as created beings.
The exhibition will feature an impressive lineup of artists, including Mark Hernandez, Debbie Clark, Mindi Oaten, Rachel Neikirk, Marguerite Anglin, Kathryn Yarbrough, Heather Strazza, Katie Babb, Katharine Ward, Wayne Forte, Muriel Kom, and Sandra Bowden.
Artistic creation is deeply rooted in our divine connection to God. The term “Imago Dei” encapsulates this concept, emphasizing humanity’s ability to forge identities and transform ideas into tangible art. This process mirrors God’s creation narrative in Genesis – a cycle of observation, reflection, planning, and manifesting the intangible. Our creative gift enables us to participate in this divine process, inviting God’s presence and honoring Him through our artistic endeavors.
The International Fine Art Fund, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the development and promotion of sacred artworks, proudly supports this exhibition.
Imago Dei
God says in Genesis 1:26, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” In the creation narrative of Genesis, it is clear that God makes a distinction between His creation of humanity and everything else He creates. God uniquely creates mankind in His own image. If humans are made in the image of God then we have inherent value bestowed on us by our Creator. If we posses God’s likeness then we are to live in a way that reflects His loving and righteous character. Being like God, He has gifted mankind with the authority to rule and steward His other creations. The beginning of our story shows us God’s original intention for us and it also shows us how the first humans used our free will to choose what God never intended for us.
In Genesis 2:16-17, God gives the first man a command to not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil because death would be the result. Eve, tempted by the serpent gave some of the forbidden fruit to her husband Adam and they rebelled against God together. Humanity was expelled from Eden but, not left without hope. It was the beginning of the longing for the One that would restore humanity to its rightful place. The paradise that was lost in Adam has been found in God’s Son, Jesus Christ. Adam introduced sin and death into the human condition. Jesus introduced everlasting life by His death on the cross and resurrection from the dead. He will save all those who repent and trust in Him. The Apostle Paul says In Romans 5:17, “For if by the transgression of the one, death reigned through the one, much more those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.”
-Eric Turcott, Principal Theologian
