This sacred art mural was commissioned by Fr. Robert Clements, chaplain of the All Saints Catholic Newman Center of Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona.
At 32 feet high by 14 feet wide, the work features the central figure of Christ, drawn from the earliest iconographic depictions of Christ Pantocrator. The eyes of Christ, as well as the outstretched right and left arms, portray Christ as both the merciful and just judge. Christ is flanked by adoring angels offering incense, (Rev. 8:3), and the image of the “lamb as if slain,” (Rev. 5:6).
Images evoking the Garden of Eden with palms, grasses, and native plants of Arizona are presented in a stylized or idealistic way, suggesting the glorified New Creation. The piece is informed by the Beuronese School featuring muted colors, stylized figures, and a substructure of sacred geometry resulting in compositional balance and harmony.
Christ Pantocrator, by Ruth Stricklin, © 2017 New Jerusalem Studios, LLC.
