Jesus -- the name means something to almost everyone. Whether one considers Jesus a messiah, heretic, Prince of Peace,
Jewish rabbi, almost everyone has an association with that name. The Provincial Museum's latest feature exhibit Anno Domini: Jesus Through the Centuries is a bold
look at the most shaping influence in the Western World and beyond, and attempts to
uncover the different perceptions of Jesus throughout history and the world.
The exhibit, which runs until January 7 2001, was the result of five years worth of research and preparation.
Each part of the exhibit has a different theme, which include "Jesus the Jew," "Jesus of the Gospel" and
"Jesus the Peacemaker." Paintings, sculptures and sacred objects are on display -- ancient Bibles,
a Torah scroll (the first five books of the Old Testament which are sacred scriptures in Judaism), sacred robings of Orthodox priests, paintings depicting various scenes from the Gospels
and more contemporary kinds of artwork inspired by Jesus but having less of a religious theme.
Multimedia also has a bit role to play in the exhibit. Hanging from the ceiling are quotes from
everyone from philosophers to celebrities explaining what Jesus means to them. A film runs
continually, using footage from newsreels to illustrate the Beatitudes (part of the Sermon on the Mount, these are Jesus'
"Blessed are . . . " statements). Music of all genres play at certain parts of the room, with selections intended to highlight the
focus of the particular theme.
This is indeed an important exhibition which is broad in its scope. Lest anyone be concerned that this
is merely Christian propaganda, do not fret -- while of course the "Jesus of the Gospel" section is
"religious" in tone, much of the exhibit concerns how Jesus has been interpreted and represented
by various cultures and religions throughout the last 2000 years. There is even a section with Native American
artwork, the message of Jesus from a Humanist viewpoint, as well as Eastern religions like Buddhism.
Nothing in the exhibit is preachy and no one was walking around genuflecting or thumping a Bible. There was, however, a solemn and serious mood
which prevailed. Even the children on an elementary school field trip were being
mostly quiet and reflective.
As soon as the exhibit opened it began getting rave reviews. An article in the Edmonton Journal
estimates that over 100 000 people will visit the exhibit during the course of its run. Visitors have said that this is the best exhibit
the Museum has ever put on. Unfortunately, like in most major museum exhibitions, I was not permitted to take photographs, but even if I was I do not think I would have
been able to competantly capture the colour and mood of the exhibit.
ADMISSION:
