Two-Dimensional Design Summer 2003    
    >> open puzzle
Paint-by-Number Jesus .project  
completed project
—exploded view
     
The eleven students in the class were given several panels from paint-by number kits representing a variety of images. They were asked to divide them up so that each student had three sections cut from the panels. Then each student was given a piece from a kit representing Warner Sallman’s Head of Christ.
The students agreed to arrange their cut panels so that the Head of Christ could be put together like a puzzle. The students then glued their panels to plywood that was cut to the shape of each student’s composition.

The Two-D course assignment included translating the color to black and white and various shades of gray. The students were asked to divide their compositions into thirds, paint one third according to the kit, one third translated into grays, and one third painted any way they wanted.
Go to this page to put the puzzle together.(click on a piece and move it to arrange so that the middle image resembles the paint-by-number image of Sallman’s Head of Christ.)

Double click on individual paintings to get the artist’s name.
 

In planning for this project the class talked about imaging Jesus in the 21st century. We looked at several contemporary attempts and discussed their success or, in most cases, their failure to depict a big enough concept. Most found literal representations of a man of some ethnic persuasion inadequate.

Jesus, integrated into everyday life, seemed to emerge as the content of the Paint-by-Number Jesus.