I RECENTLY viewed a series of paintings entitled The Stations of the Cross at St Patrick's Church in Anderston, Glasgow.
They depict Christ's final journey through Jerusalem, His crucifixion and His subsequent death.
What makes these works so arresting is that the narrative has been relocated to Glasgow; thus, each one has a backdrop of buildings in Glasgow, familiar to all its citizens. The scenes are predominantly painted where roads diverge around buildings, hence creating lateral crosses which contrast with Christ's upright one. The streets are completely empty, creating starkness, but which allows the eye to focus on the figure of Christ and a few black-clad acolytes.
These are the works of John Cairney, the man who became the embodiment of Robert Burns and who, for more than 37 years, illuminated millions of people throughout the world, by sharing the Bard.
As I looked at the paintings, the artist himself appeared and began to talk to me. I learned that when Lent finishes this Sunday, the paintings will return to their owner .
I wondered if a way might be found to give them a permanent home in Glasgow? It would seem a fitting compliment for one of Glasgow's renowned sons.
Judith Scott,
66 Langside Drive, Glasgow.
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