'The GREAT Divide'

Student Reflection

I was drawn to the passage Matthew 2:13-15, The Flight to Egypt, because it reminds me that, just like Jesus, I have people in my life who would do anything to protect me from danger.

For my artwork, I took inspiration from several portrait artists, especially Julianne Jonker. Her portrait, ‘In My Life’, influenced the way I approached composition, line, and colour. I used clean lines and carefully chosen tones to capture the personalities of both Jesus and Herod. Herod’s background is filled with shades of purple and gold, representing his royal power and status. In contrast, Jesus is surrounded by radiant yellows and oranges, symbolising that he is the light of the world. I also used soft blues to reflect the gentleness of his nature and the way Jesus approached people with compassion. By blending colours and tones, I created a sense of realism while still keeping the symbolism strong.

A fracture line runs through the middle of the artwork, representing the divide between the two kings. Herod and Jesus face away from each other, symbolising two very different paths. This resonates with me as I reflect on my Confirmation this year, where I became more responsible for my own actions and decisions. I choose the light.