The Assumption II by Graeme Hindmarsh
Digital composite, 2007.
From the Dogma series.
© Graeme Hindmarsh 2007.
The complete series can be found here.
Where do dogs go when they die?
According to all three Abrahamic faiths, animals don’t go to Heaven or Paradise. This presents problems, not least of which is how can a place be truly Heaven or Paradise when “man’s best friend” is locked outside the Pearly Gates? No doggy door? Spending the rest of eternity in a pet-free-zone, to my mind, would seem to be closer to a damnation than a reward for a life well lived. Fortunately, this is not an issue with which I need to wrestle – to paraphrase Groucho Marx, “I’d never belong to any religion that would have me as a member!”
Ergo, The Assumption II.
Set on craggy hilltop at dusk, a group of dogs are illuminated by an eerie celestial light as they witness an Ascension. Some gaze in wonder, others leap with joy and some are shadowed in sadness. In the foreground, one addresses the viewer. Have we intruded upon a very private moment? Or is she questioning our fundamental system of beliefs?
This work started life as The Assumption I, and grew to be one of my largest, and most expensive, to date! Drawing heavily on the canon of religious art from the Baroque and Renaissance, at full resolution, it stands larger than life size. Because of the compression needed to display works on Redbubble, many of the beautiful details cannot be enjoyed, and it suffers from an over-saturation that is not present in the original work. Therefore, I’ve captured a selection of details below to better illustrate the work.
Awards
The Assumption II has received the following award
Featured Enhanced Photos
Credits
Stock images were used in the creation of this work and are used under licence from the following photographers
Erik Reis
Paul Butchard
Photowitch
Edyta Pawlowska
Erik Lam
Jaimie Duplass
Rui Vale De Sousa
Anatoliy Zavodskov
Nancy Dressel
Nghe Tran
Grant Faint
Image Source
Siede Preis
All other photography and graphic elements © Graeme Hindmarsh, 2007.
This work can also be viewed on my Bubblesite.
This work has been viewed over 734 times!
Comments
Graeme, I am delighted that you have decided to pu this up. I know you had it up for a critique and almost got to it but …. Anyway I like it bu then I like dogs, believe they have souls and think they aspire to something.
All Dogs go to Heaven huh? Ever seen that Animation? I think this piece looks fantastic!
Hi Graeme,
I had a giggle when I saw “Assumption II”. I love dogs and I certainly got your references to the Renaissance style of art. Very cute.
I noticed your request for a critique in the forums and I have left my suggestions there. Though, ultimately if you are happy with the work and feel it is finished then that is all that matters!
ps I love the fact you called your series Dogma
tee hee
Many thanks to all for your comments! :)
Pilgrim – I don’t know whether dogs aspire to anything but, I think I like most dogs better than I like most people! ;) I’m a sucker for unconditional love ….
FireRabbit – If there is a heaven, I’m sure dogs will be there – if not, I don’t think I want to go! ;)
Celia – Thanks for your critique – feedback is very valuable. Now I must find more doggy angels! The Dogma series is actually a two pronged pun. Dog is also an anagram. ;)
Stunning work Graeme!!! Brings to mind the movie “All Dogs Go To Heaven”. So there!! If the movie says so, then it must be so!!!!
Thank you Greta! Thought it might be appropriate for this time of year ;-) !!!
– Graeme Hindmarsh
This is so adorably sweet. . . I love all the cute dogs!!
In my opinion if God was so kind to create love and to create animals for us to love I have faith that he would not be so unkind as to take that away from us. . .
Thank you, Restlessd! I sugar-coated this one in an attempt to make the underlying theme more palatable.
– Graeme Hindmarsh
Thank you, PQ!
– Graeme Hindmarsh
Congratulations!! Your artwork has been featured in
Enhanced photos group.!!
Thank you so much, Rainy! I’m delighted and honoured.
– Graeme Hindmarsh
Absolutely wonderful. Well deserving of the feature and beyond.
It is heartwarming to know that your work is appreciated. Many thanks Catherine.
– Graeme Hindmarsh