Crucifixion inspires artistic response from Church Army evangelist

Church Army’s Colin Brown, one of the nation’s top airbrush illustrators in the 1990’s, has been inspired to make an artistic response to the suffering, pain and agony of Christ- vividly portrayed in Mel Gibson’s The Passion of The Christ. The work is on display from today through Holy week in Sheffield Cathedral.

Colin, 46, who provided artwork for companies such as Silentnight, Tescos, Xerox, Cadburys, British Aerospace and Barclays Bank now works as an evangelist in Sheffield with the Hillsborough churches Network.

Inspiration came to Colin through prayer; “I saw an image of Jesus’ eyes and wanted to capture the two emotions of pain and compassion through my art. As I have painted the two pieces, my main aims has been to try to convey in art what I have felt in my heart, reflecting my personal belief and experience about God’s character as seen in Christ.”

After seeing Mel Gibson’s film, Colin was struck by a number of parallels between the film and his work. “I was shocked and deeply affected by the barbarity portrayed in the film, but I was also deeply moved as I watched Gibson’s depiction of what mankind is capable of - the utmost evil and depravity - and the sacrificial love that is revealed in the choice Jesus made to go through such torture and terrible death.”

Canon Nick Howe of Sheffield Cathedral comments; “Colin’s images are powerful and arresting and will challenge anyone who views them to confront the suffering and compassion of the sacrifice Christ made for us all.”

Now working as a Church Army officer, Colin seeks to help others in the midst of their daily lives to know something of the healing power of God’s love. Colin adds; “The work of Church Army is to reflect and to share in some measure the depth of love and care that God shows us in the Easter story. As our Easter eggs and the Passion movie reminds us, there is the promise of new life and hope through the death of Christ.”

Philip Johanson, Church Army’s Chief Secretary adds, “Colin’s work is breathtaking and stunning in its depiction of the pain, agony and compassion of Jesus.

Please note these images are the copyright of Colin Brown.
Further information on their use and display or if you require hi-res please contact Colin by calling 0114 232 5918.