The Good Thief’, a lifesize painting by local artist Louis Smith, is currently drawing much attention at Manchester Cathedral.
Painted in the realistic style, it shows one of the criminals who were crucified beside Jesus turning to him for forgiveness. The viewpoint is from above and, as was the practice of the time, he is nude. Visitors to the Cathedral have been intrigued by the perspective, which is influenced by the work of Salvador Dali.
Comments in the Guest Book include: “A very poignant evocation of the tragedy of human existence. A call for compassion”, “I thought the face was a photo. Great likeness. Absolutely amazing”, “Even grief will die.” The painting is only on public display till Sunday 19 April 2015.
Meanwhile tomorrow Tuesday, 24 March at 18.30, the Cathedral is hosting a live creative arts evening to explore the painting in prose, music, poetry and dance.
Lesley Sutton of PassionArt will interview the artist, Poet in Residence Rachel Mann will read a new poem written for the occasion and talented local dancer Jacob Elliott Roberts will dance a new piece that he has choreographed especially for this event. He will dance to live music performed by Cathedral Lay Clerk Alex Banfield and Sydney Nicholson Organ Scholar Aaron Shilson.
Canon David Holgate, who curates the art at the Cathedral, will riff on how this painting, our responses, and the original legend that inspired it spark off one another. The event is free and drinks will be served.
Tickets on Eventbrite http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-good-thief-creative-arts-evening-tickets-16187505264?aff=ebapi
