EnVisionChurch : Article Slideshow

Title of Piece: The Gospel of Thomas
Date of Creation: 2005
Location: Seattle
Brief Description: Although not one of the four canonical Gospels, the gospel of St. Thomas does not carry any heresies and like other non-canonical gospels has fed the symbolic imagination of Christian artists throughout history. This photo carries a reference to the second part of the saying Thomas attributes to Christ: “Be cunning like serpents and gentle like doves.” (see also Matthew 10:16) As he admonishes us to be gentle like doves, the artist shows two elements in the background: a cross and what he calls the Judas tree, respectively the symbols of death and betrayal. Jesus, in the face of his betrayal by a friend and his death on the cross invites us to be ‘gentle like doves” even when facing adversities.
Photographer Info: Paul Tonnes, Seattle

Title of Piece: In the Garden
Date of Creation: 2005
Location: Seattle
Brief Description: From the gesticulation to the plethora of symbols and iconic references, this is the most stylized and most symbolically complex of the entire collection. Jesus appears as he does in many paintings, i.e. as victorious over death. He is draped in a cloak and carrying the victory Cross which rests in his arm. He is seated on what might be interpreted as a bench, a tomb or sarcophagus or an altar. Next to him on the altar are a chalice, the symbol of Jesus’ self-sacrifice and three roses. The three roses point to the divine Trinity as well as to the sacrifice of Christ. Both symbols are found throughout Tonnes art. As if shaded by it, a tree is placed over him, yet, not any tree, but the Judas tree, a recurring symbol of betrayal in this series. Behind him, clouds are gathering in anticipation of a severe storm. And yet, the light which stream over Jesus face is stronger that the darkness of the clouds. In this image, the totality of the Paschal Mystery is revealed as it contains both suffering and salvation. The traditional garden scene of doubt and agony has been informed by the truth of the resurrection.
Photographer Info: Paul Tonnes, Seattle

Title of Piece: Before Pontius Pilate
Date of Creation: 2005
Location: Seattle
Brief Description: After they scourged him they put a purple mantel on him and a crown of thorns, then they paraded him out and Pontius Pilate showed him to the crowed saying “Behold the man.” This very contemplative photo shows Jesus as he stood before Pilate, meek and strong at the same time. Tonnes does not have him wear the purple and thorns, but rather the gold and halo. Instead of the suffering servant we already encounter the victorious lamb, even at this moment. Jesus is looking through the window into the future. On the table there are two candles, one is burning, the other is blown out, symbolizing death and life. These are reminiscent of the invitation: “I put before you life and death, choose life.” (Deut. 30:19)
Photographer Info: Paul Tonnes, Seattle

Title of Piece: Thinking of Job
Date of Creation: 2005
Location: Seattle
Brief Description: Among all figures in the Hebrew Scriptures, Job is probably the one person who might have the most reason to feel abandoned by God. After having received so many gifts, in the end everything and more is take away from him, and yet, even then he does not abandon his faith in God. Tonnes suggest that in the face of his own suffering and death Jesus identified with job. “Why have you abandoned me?” Surrounded by the tools of his torture, the cross and the crown of barbed wire he contemplates the light. His Sacred Heart is shown in the left top corner. It represents his love of the Father and his willingness to give himself for our salvation.
Photographer Info: Paul Tonnes, Seattle