Mary Reimagined
© Ernesto Beckford, Chadds Ford PA (2021-2024)
Iconic
In "Iconic," Mary is reimagined with bold, intricate patterns and a modern, contemplative expression. Her traditional robes are adorned with elaborate, golden details, while her face is overlaid with contemporary motifs. This collage captures the fusion of the sacred and the contemporary, celebrating Mary as an enduring icon whose relevance continues to evolve across different cultures and eras.
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Collage Size: 11.75 x 16.75 inches
(Completed 2024)
Waiting for Bus No. 2
This collage presents Mary in a strikingly modern and secular setting—a bus stop. She is portrayed three times, in different variations, each one echoing traditional iconography with halos but dressed in contemporary attire. This piece reflects the idea of Mary as a timeless figure who can be found in the everyday experiences of modern life, waiting patiently amidst the ordinary.
Collage Size: 18 x 15.5 inches
(Completed 2024)
Unbound Dreams
In this collage, Mary is depicted standing against a surreal landscape. The use of bright colors and abstract forms suggests a dreamlike state, where the boundaries between the sacred and the secular blur. Mary appears as a figure of hope and aspiration, unbound by the constraints of traditional religious imagery, inviting viewers to explore new possibilities for spiritual expression in a modern context.
Collage Size: 10.5 x 20.5 inches
(Completed 2024)
Devil in Details
This piece presents a richly adorned Mary, surrounded by both angelic and demonic figures. The intricate details in her clothing and the surrounding figures reflect the complexities of faith and spirituality in the modern world. The presence of both good and evil in close proximity to Mary highlights the tension between purity and corruption, a theme that resonates with contemporary struggles for moral clarity.
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Collage Size: 9.5 x 17 inches
(Completed 2024)
Mirror Reflection
This collage features Mary alongside a figure in modern attire, both appearing as reflections of each other. The piece explores the duality of identity, suggesting that Mary’s image is not just a relic of the past but also a mirror through which modern women can see themselves. The interaction between the two figures symbolizes the ongoing dialogue between history and the present.
Collage Size: 14 x 11 inches
(Completed 2024)
Flower Child
In "Flower Child," Mary is portrayed with a serene expression, surrounded by modern abstract patterns. The butterflies and flowers in her hair suggest a connection to nature and a celebration of life, while the contemporary elements in the background highlight the timeless relevance of her image, bridging the gap between tradition and modernity.
Collage Size: 13 x 15 inches
(Completed 2023)
Building Stained Glass
This collage merges the traditional stained-glass depiction of Mary with modern architectural elements. The vibrant colors and intricate patterns of the stained glass are set against a grayscale urban environment, symbolizing the clash and coexistence of the sacred and the secular. The piece evokes the idea that sacredness can be found even in the most unexpected places
Collage Size: 9.5 x 13 inches
(Completed 2023)
Living Room Window
Here, Mary is seated in a modern living room, her traditional attire contrasting with the contemporary surroundings. The windows in the background offer a glimpse of a serene landscape, blending the inner spiritual world with the external modern environment. This piece underscores the idea of Mary as a constant presence, adaptable to any setting, embodying grace and reflection amidst the chaos of daily life.
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Collage Size: 13.5 x 11 inches
(Completed 2022)
Aura
This collage presents Mary with a child, set against a backdrop that blends traditional religious attire with modern patterns and textiles. The juxtaposition of the sacred and the contemporary challenges the viewer to see Mary not just as a distant holy figure but as a universal symbol of motherhood, protection, and enduring love in the modern age.
Collage Size: 10.5 x 12.5 inches
(Completed 2024)
Astonishment
In this piece, Mary is depicted with a mixture of wonder and weariness, surrounded by butterflies and flowers. The cracked texture of her face recalls the wear and tear of ancient frescoes, yet the vibrant colors and modern flora introduce a sense of rebirth and transformation. The natural elements symbolize the continuity of life, while her expression connects the viewer to the timeless human emotions of awe and contemplation.
Collage Size: 13 x 14.5 inches
(Completed 2023)