TESTIMONIUM
Entered in the 2023 Archibald Prize.
Testimonium, meaning witness in Latin, is my depiction of the ongoing abuse and persecution of children and those that perpetrated and knew of these horrendous crimes. This is therefore a self portrait of me, with all humility, as a witness to these crimes and a testament to those heroic victims and survivors.
This is a painting of Pell confronting the Pope about the 'Witness' but being dismissed with disdain due to their collusion being exposed. The chains of gold around their necks ties them together in knowledge as they walk from the golden light toward the darkness. The red piping on their vestments signifies the blood and loss caused by their knowingness of the crimes, The Pope’s ear is turned toward the 'Witness' hanging with his head bowed upon the crucifix. They must carry him and all of us forever and beyond.