2023 YEAR 6 FINALIST

'#spreadthenews' 
Joseph Faulkner
holy cross catholic parish primary school, helensburgh
year 6

The inspiration for my artwork is based on Matthew 2:9-12 where the Magi journeyed to witness Christ’s birth through a modernised interpretation as I want to share the news of Jesus in 2023. If the magi were modernised, they would each be of different races. I have depicted the Magi to represent three different cultures from around the world, Mediterranean, Asian and Anglo-Celtic. 

The helicopter labelled ‘Desert Eagle’ is based on a real helicopter, known for travelling the desert. The jet holding the aerial banner likewise is based on the aircraft ‘star’, signifying the star leading to Jesus. The banner has the pattern of the modern Bethlehem flag including hashtags spreading word of Jesus’ birth.

Beside the helicopter’s leg are modern versions of the gifts the Magi had prepared (frankincense, myrrh and gold). The three Magi bring Dior’s fragrance ‘Frankincense’. Chanel’s perfume ‘Myrrh’ and a gold Rolex watch. 

The red Magi is holding an apple iphone with AirPods, green is wearing ‘Beats’ headphones whilst holding a MacBook showing facebook, and blue holds an android phone. In our modern state, technology would be how we spread word as opposed to Jesus’ timeline. This is why I included these items.

View more of our Christmas Story Art Exhibition 2023 artworks by clicking on our young artists' names in the teal panel. Alternatively, click through our artworks below.

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