Day 2: Picturing Mary

Walking Madonna by Elisabeth Frink 1930-1993

 

Elisabeth Frink’s Walking Madonna depicts a strong, determined older woman, marked by the events she has gone through. I wonder where she is going and why?

Use the questions below to help you reflect on each of the pictures in the series, or there is a video version, with the questions, and time to reflect, below. 

FIRST LOOK

·         When you first look at the picture, what do you notice? What is your eye first drawn to?

·         What shapes and colours are there in the picture? What spaces are there?

·         What is in the background, middle ground, and foreground?

·         Where are the people in the scene looking? Is anyone looking at you?

·         Where has the artist put you, the viewer, in relation to the picture? Are you looking down on the scene or looking up to it, are you a long way off or drawn into the action in some way?

·         How would you describe the picture to someone who couldn’t see it? What would you tell them about it?

 

PRAYING THE PICTURE

·         If the people in the picture could talk to you, what do you think they would say?

·         If you could choose to be part of this scene, where would you choose to be and what would you do?

·         What do you think the artist hoped you might feel and think as you looked at the picture? What do you think and feel? Tell God about it.

·         Imagine Jesus is looking at the picture with you. What do you want to say to him about it, and what does he say to you?