2022 Year 6 Finalist

Behold, the Handmaid of the Lord
Chloe Forester
St Thomas More Catholic Primary School, Ruse
Year 6

The angel went to Mary and said, ‘Greetings, you who are highly favoured! The Lord is with you. ’(Luke 1:26-36) I have reimagined ‘The Annunciation’ as a young Mary sitting in conversation with God through his messenger, Gabriel. As Mary hears and accepts God's will, despite her fear, the Earth rejoices around her. I wanted to express that although Mary was alone in the moment, she would have been nurtured and protected in her role as the Mother of God. The style I chose was inspired by artist Sarah Arnett and the way she portrays emotions through a range of lush botanical elements. I rendered Mary without facial features to portray her relatability, and allow all women to view her as a role model.

The abundance of flowers springing forth around Mary imply the gratitude of the world for Mary's selfless act of saying yes to God. The palm fronds representing Angel Gabriel further the idea of the earth bursting forth in this moment of wonder and awe. They mirror the botanic emergence at Mary’s feet. My work is created on canvas paper, employing acrylic paint, hand dyed transparent paper, and ink pencils. The softness and delicacy of my work signifies the purity and virtuous intent of Mary.

View more of our Christmas Story Art Exhibition 2022 artworks by clicking on our young artists' names in the teal panel. Alternatively, click through our artworks below.

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