Art, Interpretation, and the Sixth Station of the Cross

This Easter, I’m taking part in Stations of the Cross: An Artistic Journey at Mitcham Lane Baptist Church. It’s a multi-disciplinary exhibition that invites diverse artists to interpret the Passion story in their own unique way. Despite not being religious myself, I found the experience of working on this project both compelling and thought-provoking.

I was assigned the Sixth Station of the Cross, traditionally depicting Veronica wiping the face of Jesus. While this scene is rich in religious symbolism, I approached it from a different perspective—one that resonates beyond faith and doctrine.

The Sixth Station: A Moment of Human Compassion

At its core, this station is about an act of kindness in the midst of suffering. Regardless of one’s beliefs, the idea of human connection and the power of small, compassionate gestures are universally relevant. I wanted my interpretation to reflect that raw humanity, stripping away some of the traditional religious iconography and focusing on the emotional weight of the moment.

For me, the process of creating this piece was an exploration of how imagery can transcend belief systems. Religious art has long been a medium for storytelling, but it also speaks to universal themes—struggle, resilience, and empathy. While faith shapes the context of the Stations of the Cross, the emotions they evoke are deeply human.

Art Beyond Belief

As an artist, I often find myself drawn to themes that challenge or sit outside of my personal worldview. This project was a reminder that art can be a bridge between different perspectives—it can provoke thought, spark dialogue, and invite audiences to see familiar narratives in a new light.

If you’re in the area this Easter, come and see how different artists have responded to the story of the Passion. Whether you approach it from a place of faith, curiosity, or artistic appreciation, I hope my piece—and the exhibition as a whole—encourages a moment of reflection on the depth of human experience.https://www.instagram.com/p/DHdUnTTO0-8/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==