The Ten Commandments or the Then Words, were given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai as the rules by which his people, Israel, would live in perfect happiness. Originally written on two stone tablets, they were the rules of life for the people of Israel. They are central to the Old Testament, indeed to the whole Bible. The first four Commandments deal with our relationship with God, the last six with the way we behave towards our neighbour. I have used twelve paintings, because of the context in which the first sets of the Commandments were given. 'I am the Lord your God who led you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery' (Exodus 20) In the last painting, I have included the New Testament fulfilment in Christ. It is in gratitude to him alone that we now can live by these Words. Through these twelve paintings I have tried to show the universal relevance of the Ten Commandments.

The series The Ten Commandments (60 x 80cm) was produced by mixed technique on a base of oil on perspex. I started in 1989 and completed the series in 1990. An important role is played by the texture of the paint itself. The works are not exuberant in colour; but where exuberance is necessary, it has not been avoided. The colours have been chosen for their symbolic power.

 

ß Respect your parents