Gallery 3 — Michael James Henderson

the seed of life,

weighed down

Artist: Michael Henderson

“I am fascinated by Jesus’ birth, and these scenes of the Nativity.

Because, I ask, what is the essence of this moment? What happened back then, and why pay attention to it now? Back then, I see an intimate and perilous birth. It is humanity and struggle and motherhood, but it also a physical connection with the eternal, with God and love and mercy.

So why didn’t it stay back there? Is it because the promise was a God who continues with us, even today? Is it true, or a good story? Then, even if I pay attention to it, in this present now, can I enter the mystery of a God who promises to remain intimately, personally connected to my life and all the grief and joy that goes with it? Or, will I attempt to cover God up, protect myself from my deepest longings, and resist their comfort and empowering presence? Or, do I just need a sandwich? If I'm honest, most days are a mixture of everything. But I have experienced enough to know I wish I could enter the mystery of this “presence of God with me” every day. When I stand over a Nativity scene, this is often what I am thinking.”

The Seed of Life, Weighed Down.

Three wrapped figures, with lighting inside and around them, and a 10m by 2.4m painting behind them.

Installed in the foyer of Hobart Baptist Church.

Michael Henderson often uses symbols and metaphors to tell stories in his art about identity and longing.

This artwork is a way of altering a space to extend the original meaning. The space here is a street facing church entrance foyer with a nativity scene placed in the centre. However, by wrapping the objects of veneration, the figures of Joseph, Mary and baby Jesus can be considered both hidden, bound, or ready to be unwrapped, revealed. The use of light extends both the sense of cover up or the brink of being exposed. The background appears to be a night sky, but up close is covered in graffiti with references to back then and now.

This work asks question about what a nativity scene represents, and whether it has an ability today to help us enter the mystery of God.

Michael Henderson is based in lutruwita / Tasmania. He is inspired by so much in our world, and especially by nature and the life of Jesus. He lives with Tiffany, their two children, and our dog.