Comox Valley painter and sculptor Daniel Needham is exhibiting some of his unique Post-Catholic paintings at the Weird Church in Cumberland.
The exhibit, 'In the Beginning: A Post-Catholic Retrospective,' will be open during all of August every Saturday from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and most Fridays from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m..
鈥淧ost-Catholic art picks up where Catholic art left off,鈥� explains Needham.
Needham uses known Christian icons and images to re-illustrate the old stories of the bible. His art highlights how the passage of time can change how and what people perceive and believe.
Though the familiar icons and the tropes are thousands of years old, Needham鈥檚 Post-Catholic perspective is modern.
鈥淚 want to make people think about what these stories and lessons mean,鈥� said Needham, 鈥渁nd I want them to enjoy that process, so I often add a humorous twist.鈥�
The artist will be on site during gallery hours for visitors who want to learn more about Post-Catholic art.
The Weird Church is a fitting venue for an art retrospective that starts with Genesis and Exodus and ends with comic books and superheroes. It includes a painting that looks at creationism from both sides.
On Saturday, August 9, at 3:00 p.m., Needham will be giving an Artist Talk addressing the question, for centuries, Catholic art had the lead role in Western art. Now, on a much more secular stage, it is barely a small player. How can or should the stories of Catholic art be re-illustrated?
In addition to offering his answer, Needham will also speak to his artistic development and process, and to how and why he became a Post-Catholic artist.
Slides will include images of Needham鈥檚 other paintings and sculptures.
This is Needham鈥檚 third solo exhibition since moving to the Comox Valley five years ago. He has also exhibited alongside other Comox Valley artists.
鈥淚 am so grateful to the Weird Church,鈥� Needham said, 鈥渇or another opportunity to engage people with my art in an inclusive and welcoming space. It is always a pleasure and privilege to have an opportunity to spark so many thoughtful and respectful conversations.鈥�
