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...And then the rooster crowed / Mokoko o llile

2016 Competition entry

Dina Grobler

Details:
Signed
Etching on fabriano
95 cm x 55 cm

Description:

Aloes are an integral part of the Free State landscape. They are hardy and survive extreme conditions. They bloom like stately beacons in the veld. 

In this artwork I have portrayed seven church towers in Bloemfontein from different denominations, as a metaphor for architectural beacons in our city. The design begins from the bottom as serpentine flames on devil's fork symbolising hardship and darkness. The blooms of the aloe, however, rise like a candelabrum, bringing light and spiritual hope. My title “..and then the rooster crowed” plays on the betrayal of Jesus by Peter before the rooster crowed (Matt 26:75).

I played devil's advocate in asking the question of whether people have betrayed the traditional church by abandoning it or whether the church has betrayed the people by no longer being relevant to society. The desolation of the church building is represented by the flight of the roosters disappearing into the distance.

My desire is that even though the blooms of time past might die away, new blooms will rise out of our diverse cultures, shining light and bright hope for the future.