The Ugly Jesus project began while considering artistic and media images of Jesus Christ. Of course, everyone is entitled to interpret anyone else as they see fit, including Jesus, but this does not mean that the presentations have much if anything to do with the basic facts.
Was Jesus really "pretty" or "GQ" as the more popular versions depict? He must have had hair and make-up apostles following him around, if that was the case. What is this need we have to see a perfect looking Messiah? Is being perfect the same as looking perfect according to our standards?
Consider these questions while viewing the art work.
Invite your friends to discuss art and media interpretations of Jesus.
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What does Jesus think of the art and media imagery done in his name?
Why does the popular imagery of Jesus look
either androgynous or macho?
Have these popular images become branded in our brains like a corporate logo such as Coke-a-Cola?
Could God have come in what might be termed an "ugly" body, to make an artistic statement?
Why didn't Jesus leave a portrait of himself? He could have hired a great sculptor to do his portrait.
Was Jesus interested in a media campaign
like the Medici family or the Caesars?
Did Jesus consider that some might take that image and worship it instead of him?
As effective as art and media is in electing politicians or advertising products, why didn't Jesus use it any more than he did?
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Art work here sited is designed to raise questions about the facts of Jesus and study the artistic and media interpretations of said Jesus of Nazareth.
Copyright, Ray Istre, 2008
