Behold

Technique & Style

Abstract, Mixed media

Figures

Indistinguishable

Symbols

food, plates, table

Notes

Art major, BYU. Artist statement: "This piece represents 1 Nephi 1:12, where Nephi envisions his posterity. Although the following verses foretell hardship and conflict, as an isolated scripture this verse has brought me comfort as a reflection of the beauty of seeing “multitudes of people…as many as the sand of the sea.” This painting, mirroring Norman Rockwell’s Freedom from Want, is a study of glimpsing my family as a parallel for all families of the earth. My family is a family of pioneers, converts to the church, and nonmembers. My mother grew up LDS in the United States, with pioneer ancestors. My father converted to the church as a child. His family is from Nigeria, who then moved to England. After getting married to my mom, my dad immigrated to the United States. I am the oldest son and have two blood-related siblings. My youngest sister was adopted from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The other two brothers represented are not legally my siblings, but I consider them family because they have lived with us since 2014, because of their own difficult family circumstances. In a global church, most families look like mine with an intermingling of cultures, backgrounds, and stories within the walls of the same home. Within 1 Nephi 1:12 verse, a variant of “behold” is repeated three times. The dictionary suggest behold means to see or observe a thing of a person, especially a remarkable or impressive one. My family, like every other, is extraordinary, holding immeasurable value. And all it takes to notice that is to behold."

Awards

Honorable Mention 2023 BYU Book of Mormon Art Contest

Exhibition History:

• Submitted to the 2023 BYU Book of Mormon Art Contest.

Church Name

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints