The artwork, titled “VIA DOLOROSA” by Jon McNaughton, belongs to the art movements of Kitsch and Social Realism. It is a symbolic and religious painting that explores profound spiritual and societal themes.
The artwork vividly illustrates a scene depicting the path of suffering, known as the “Via Dolorosa,” traditionally believed to be the route that Jesus walked on the way to his crucifixion. At the center of the composition, a modern-day figure is seen offering assistance to a weary Jesus carrying the cross amidst a diverse crowd. The crowd appears to be a mixture of historical and contemporary figures, each expressing a range of emotions from empathy and reverence to skepticism and disbelief. The architectural backdrop evokes the historic streets of Jerusalem, grounding the scene in its religious context. The use of light and detailed expressions adds depth, drawing the viewer into the dramatic narrative embodied in this symbolic and deeply reflective painting.
