Artist bio

I am Mariann Toth, a graphic artist and illustrator living in Hungary since 2021, while running my creative practice, Artary Design, based in England. My work is deeply inspired by nature and shaped by my faith, which guides my creative process and the values behind it. I create art rooted in love, joy, and peace, using visual storytelling to express harmony, hope, and connection. Through illustration and graphic design, I seek to create meaningful works that resonate on both an emotional and spiritual level, connecting people with nature and with something beyond the visible.

Title

KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS

Medium/Genre

Painting

Artist Statement

Concept & Process

This artwork emerges from a long-term personal study of the earthly life and teachings of Jesus Christ. First created in 2020 and later reworked in a larger format in 2022, the piece seeks to summarize His life through visual storytelling grounded in biblical Scripture.

The composition is organized around a central figure of Christ, positioned as the Alpha and Omega — the beginning and the end. Fifteen narrative fragments are arranged clockwise around Him, tracing key moments of His life: from birth and baptism through temptation, teaching, miracles, suffering, crucifixion, resurrection, and post-resurrection presence. Each fragment represents a distinct moment while remaining visually and conceptually connected to the whole.

Rather than illustrating biblical events literally, the work invites contemplation. The narrative unfolds slowly, encouraging the viewer to move through the composition attentively, allowing meaning to arise through reflection rather than explanation.

The piece is painted with coffee, a material deliberately chosen for its associations with awakening, transience, and time. The composition is viewed from above, capturing the instant when a drop of liquid strikes a surface and disperses. This moment functions as a metaphor for Christ’s earthly life: a single divine event whose influence radiates outward through humanity and history.

At the center, the crown of thorns casts a shadow that transforms into a royal crown, pointing to Christ’s true kingship — power revealed through sacrifice, humility, and love rather than worldly authority. The circular structure, together with the dispersed droplets, creates a contemplative visual field in which separation and unity coexist.

The final work was preceded by two preparatory studies developed in 2020, exploring impact, movement, and circular composition. Together, the material, form, and narrative function as an invitation to reflective engagement with Christ’s life, teachings, and enduring presence.

How it fits into contest

The title King of Kings, Lord of Lords comes from Scripture, most directly Revelation 19:16, where Christ is revealed as the ultimate authority above all earthly power. This is inseparably connected to “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end” (Revelation 22:13), presenting Christ as the origin and fulfillment of history.
These Scriptures shape the meaning and structure of the artwork. Jesus occupies the centre, while fifteen surrounding scenes trace His life from birth and the visit of the Magi (Luke 2:1–20; Matthew 2:1–12) to His Ascension (Acts 1:9–11), emphasizing His presence across time.
Scripture shows that Jesus came not only to suffer and redeem, but also to teach. His baptism (Matthew 3:13–17), temptation (Matthew 4:1–11), and encounters like the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:5–26) present Him as a teacher inviting reflection and transformation. His teachings through words, actions, and encounters remain central to His mission.
Teaching is expressed alongside acts of compassion and obedience: calming the storm (Mark 4:35–41), washing the disciples’ feet (Luke 22:14–20; John 13:1–15), praying before His arrest (Matthew 26:36–46), standing before Pilate (John 18:28–38), and carrying the cross (John 19:16–17). The crucifixion (John 19:25–30; Isaiah 53:4–5) reveals kingship through sacrifice, affirmed by the resurrection (Matthew 28:1–6) and His appearance to the disciples (John 21:1–14).
Engaging with these passages through art invites reflection, considering Christ as King, Saviour, Teacher, and Lord—present at the beginning, revealed in the journey, and fulfilled at the end.

Credits

This artwork was conceived, developed, and executed entirely by the artist.

How to Purchase this Artwork

The original artwork is not for sale. Limited edition prints are available upon request. For purchase inquiries, please contact the artist directly.

Other Goods & Services Available from this Artist

Artworks available by commission. Order via website or email: artarydesign.com | hello@artarydesign.com

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