This piece, "The Raven and the Dove (Lord Have Mercy)" is part of a traveling exhibition I created called "Out of the Depths." The exhibition explores the ongoing Middle Eastern migrant crisis. The large mixed media painting on canvas depicts the fragmented image of a raven chasing a dove. In the spaces between the image is the text "ya rabb Irham," which in English means "Lord Have Mercy." The raven symbolizes evil and the dove symbolizes peace. The imagery is painted on top of nautical maps, which represent migration and movement around the world. In the context of the exhibition, the painting serves as a short prayer (Lord have mercy) over the ongoing evil in the world persistent of the peace of Christ.
This painting is a symbolic representation of the cosmic powers that rule over the present darkness in the world, but which cannot defeat the peace of Christ who will prevail over evil upon his return. The fragmentation of the image represents our human inability to see the whole picture and into the spiritual realm. The Arabic text is a reference to our Chrisitan brothers and sisters who live and worship in the Middle East.
Joe Cory
Orignal work. Sale Price is $3000.
Mixed Media on Canvas
48 x 72 inches
Direct commissions, public speaking/preaching, group workshops, curriculum design
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