ALL FLESH IS GRASS
illuminations of Ein Deutsches Requiem by Johannes Brahms
ABOUT THIS PROJECT
Painted in 2015, this body of work includes seventeen abstract paintings that are illuminations of the multi-movement Ein Deutsches Requiem by Johannes Brahms. Composed in 1868, the Brahms Requiem was the first work of its kind in German, following after many other requiem masses. What makes the Brahms Requiem unique is the absence of traditional Latin texts and the use, instead, of texts from the Luther Bible. Brahms also never makes direct mention of Jesus, which became a point of contention for many people when the work premiered. Brahms, finding himself situated in a post-enlightenment world, could be quite ambiguous and even evasive when discussing his religious beliefs. Some historians believe he was an agnostic, and therefore the Brahms Requiem, though set to religious texts, has often been viewed as a humanist rather than religious work. My inspiration came from the work as a whole, including its context in Brahms' life, the musical structures, the biblical texts, and my visceral reactions to the music itself. This series of abstract works explores the inevitability of death, human life's fleeting nature, glimmers of hope, the promise of comfort, adoration of God, the promises that God offers, and the powerful idea of a God who would enter into the world to conquer death, one of the few things that man, in all his finite glory, is unable to conquer.
AUDIO TOUR
For those who have never engaged this work, I have created an audio tour of the Brahms Requiem. This is for those who are not used to engaging classical music or who would like a few insights into what this work can mean to those with spiritual foundation.
MEDITATIVE ESSAYS
For deeper insight into Brahms, this Requiem, and what this project has meant to me, check out a set of meditative essays on this work.
EXHIBITION INFO
OPENING RECEPTION | FIRST FRIDAY
Friday, March 3, 2017
6:00pm-9:00pm
ARTIST TALK
Sunday, February 29, 2017
10:00am
Beggar's Table Church & Gallery
2010 Baltimore Ave, KC MO
Friday, March 3, 2017
6:00pm-9:00pm
ARTIST TALK
Sunday, February 29, 2017
10:00am
Beggar's Table Church & Gallery
2010 Baltimore Ave, KC MO
