"Via Crucis", 14 Stations of the Cross Welcome to the cerebral bout on religion, equality and social justice. A space to question what is controversial but more poignantly why? Stations of the Cross confronts established iconography in the setting of a live boxing bout. The protagonist, a black athlete. In Western art the black male figure was traditionally depicted in menial roles. By elevating the subject to a central spiritual figure, the series challenges traditional icons/themes. My process interprets theological concepts in a modern context. Western artists throughout history frequently placed Jesus in their own era. My work addresses this traditional theme within a contemporary narrative and explores it with a new voice. The Stations project challenges traditional Christian iconography since Constantine and encourages the viewers to confront their own perceptions and conventional ways of thinking. Station 11 (Slide 1), the first of fourteen paintings interprets the moment when Roman soldiers nailed Jesus to the cross. The subjects depict olive, black and white skin tones. Three different traditional Baroque techniques are skilfully applied, with the subjects skin tone dictating technique (Olive: Velázquez. Black: Caravaggio. White: Van Dyck). The imprimatura is selectively applied, further adding depth and texture to the work. The Stations series was conceptualised during my 3 months residency in Florence, Italy. My exploration of Baroque masters during this period was essential for the figures. The contemporary element of the work is the layering of drips and splattering of paint that flows with the composition in mind. To successfully interweave the Abstract Expressionist elements, studying in New York (its birthplace) shall be invaluable. Here I shall study works by G. Richter and Pollock at the Guggenheim, Met. MOMA and Pollock-Krasner Foundation. The result will create textures that are embedded in the larger than life size figures. This will be a marriage of traditional and contemporary art. New York is the epicentre of boxing athletes providing primary research and access to a melting pot of African, Latin and Irish American athletes and two of the worlds most famous boxing gyms; (Gleason's Gym trained M. Ali and Blue Velvet, E. Holyfield). I shall be immersed in this subculture and be able to authenticate the process. The objective is to open a discourse on religion (Western vs developing world perspectives), race and gender. To question why people continue to be crucified.