Church Going Icon 1989

Benny Andrews created this mixed media work titled “Church Going Icon,” presenting a figure adorned with symbols of tradition. The wide-brimmed hat, a motif stretching back through centuries of religious and secular art, immediately captures the eye. A symbol of status and decorum in many cultures, the hat evokes the ceremonial regalia of religious figures. It mirrors the halos we see in Byzantine icons or Renaissance portraits. In ancient times, the pearl necklace was a symbol of purity and wisdom. This resonates with the spiritual yearning conveyed by the composition of this character, whose gaze, like that of religious icons, transcends time and mortal concerns. Note the flower-like design on the bag, which recalls the ubiquitous rose window in Gothic cathedrals. Though abstracted and simplified, it retains its essence as a potent symbol of spiritual awakening. These motifs invite the viewer to connect with the image on a primal, subconscious level, stirring a deep emotional response. Such symbols have continuously resurfaced, proving their enduring impact on our collective cultural memory.