Art Review: I Don’t, No

05 Aug 2010

Craig Dixon’s art exhibition explores the relationship between church and contemporary culture from a unique priestly perspective.

A passion was re-ignited in 1990 for the recently arrived vicar of the Hinds Cooperating Parish. Rev Craig Dixon traveled to Washington DC on study leave. His topic, ‘The Fine Arts and Religion’. Craig has engaged in a variety of ‘creative activity’ since that time, producing church resources with friend and graphic designer Mike Coker, and his own works on paper. After a successful exhibition last year Craig has now produced and exhibited ten works on board, combining graphite and acrylic wash.

‘I don’t, no’ opened mid July at the Quiqcorp Gallery, 155 High Street and shows for three weeks. These works are something of a ‘visual sermon’ on the life and effectiveness of the church in contemporary society. Loosely drawn images overlaid with indigo wash present the church with a strange twist. Darkness counterpoints light. Fish, past symbol of the early church, threaten from the deep. There is a mystery and uncertainty about these works. Are they friend or foe?