Visitors to the exhibition hall of the Seventh-day Adventist World Session on Tuesday, July 4, enjoyed a chance to meet Darrel Tank–an artist gaining increasing international recognition. Darrel Tank’s painting of Jesus with outstretched hands behind the skyline of Toronto has attracted attention and admiration, both from those attending the Session and from members of the church worldwide. “The purpose of the painting was to have everyone feel welcome to come to Toronto and to let people know that Jesus is here,” says Tank.
“I don’t know everybody’s language, but pictures can speak to everyone,” Tank explains. “They are not labored down with church doctrines, and even though I have strong beliefs, I want to keep the pictures’ message simple–Jesus loves everyone.”
Tank has been a professional painter for the past 30 years. “I like to find out how people visualize Christ,” said Tank. “There’s a lot of things I haven’t had a chance to illustrate yet.”
Many delegates have purchased autographed posters of Tank’s painting as mementos of the Session. “The picture implies that Jesus is in control over Toronto,” says Megan Ahing, a visitor to the booth. “I thank God that Jesus is in control of the whole world.”
The painting of Jesus standing behind the Toronto skyline can be seen on the Session Web site at http://session2000@adventist.org. |
