Descent Into Hell, Terry Nelson 1990
Acrylic, gold leaf on canvas (36"x48")
I finally re-photographed this piece after so many years. (The photography is not done well - I shot it outside on a cloudy day and the canvas appears warped - or the problem may be the mount on the surface supporting the panel - either way, it's off.) I painted it in the style of an 'altar-piece' or a classical icon with scenes from the life of, which is why I sometimes like to subtitle it "A day in the life of..." Most people ask why I used the lyrics and titles from the Beatles' Abbey Road album throughout the piece. Aside from the fact I found the medley and lyrics of some of the songs on the album to fit whatever I was documenting at the time, I also listened to the album obsessively while painting. (If you click on the photos you may be able to read the titles on the close-up.) Abbey Road has been important to me since its release, and the painting was an intense project for me - that's all I can say.
The panel documents a difficult life and the subjects attempt to understand it. The two allegorical figures in the niche on either side of the title panel - The Descent - Sebastian and Samson respectively, represent two related curses: abuse and addiction. I used classical anatomical figures for the 'statuary'. St. Sebastian was first martyred by being shot with arrows - left for dead - he subsequently revived to face a martyr's death later. It is with that understanding Sebastian was chosen to represent the effects of abuse, and specifically sexual abuse, which can be likened to a sort of death of the spirit in those who experience it. Samson has often been referred to by spiritual writers and in allegory as an example of the soul enslaved by sin, or as secular culture describes in modern psychological terms, addiction.
Without going into much more detail, let me just say the panel isn't meant to be described in total for the viewer, except to point out that each scene represents/documents an aspect of abuse, molestation, seduction, temptation, rape, sin, isolation, alienation, dying, conversion, confession, and finally reconciliation .
Note: The painting was in the collection of a former gallery owner who is now deceased. His estate returned the panel at my request. The panel is currently scheduled to become a part of the private collection of a collector of outsider art.
My apologies to those offended by the subject matter.
Note: The painting was in the collection of a former gallery owner who is now deceased. His estate returned the panel at my request. The panel is currently scheduled to become a part of the private collection of a collector of outsider art.
My apologies to those offended by the subject matter.
6 comments:
God bless you Terry. This is powerful work. I hope in the making and again in the revisiting there has been healing. Thanks for posting it.
It's been years since I've listened to Abbey Road. I'll dig it up.
Powerful stuff. Beautifully painted. I LOVE the values of this piece. And, yes, people should be disturbed by the consequences of both abuse and addiction. I also enjoyed the iconic portrayal of Jesus in the center, while surrounding him with images that are for contemporary in style. It elucidates Christ as the same historical Savior that early Christians (such as the Desert Fathers) contemplated.
You are right. Quite disturbing indeed. It seems that quite a few of your paintings touch on the subject matter related to (homo)sexuality and religion and church. Not sure if you are trying to ask questions or making statements as answers.
Terry Darling--
Please don't apologize for your art..it is your creation. The story it tells is very powerful..true it is adult material and not for everyone. I especially like the center panel with the classical figures and their almost grey-scale portrayal contrasting with the center icon in its glorious color gold. It makes me think of the greyness, somberness and challenges we face in our earthly life, molding us in holiness although we might not think so at the time, preparing us, man and woman, when me meet Jesus, and the life and color returns to our existence. No more pain and suffering.
But life isn't a Disney cartoon either...
Those who think life is nothing but bunnies and butterflies and flowers in the field are either very sheltered or will get a cold cruel whap alonside the head one of these days. I recommend they go do a stint in the Peace Corps...
God Bless you in your work..
Sara
It is pretty fantastic that you were able to have this masterpiece returned to you. Impressive work!
How did you know so clearly the events of my life and the trek of my spiritual journey? I know its you but it could also be me. Glad I re-found this blog after a long absence.
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