Jesus Darth Vader Painting By Cedric Chambers Selling On eBay

[Johnboy60]

As unforgettable yet controversial images go, it's hard to top the one made by artist Cedric Chambers.

His painting, "The Prophet," shows Darth Vader carrying Jesus Christ with the smoldering images of the Twin Towers in the background.

Looking at it, you might think the 23-year-old Denver artist had managed to offend three separate but equally passionate groups: Christians, New Yorkers and Star Wars fanatics.

Jesus Darth Vader Painting By Cedric Chambers Selling On eBay

 

[Dusky Mouse]

I'd not buy it. But I'd love to get feedback on how it is that this artist could think Darth Vader is a messianic figure.

 

[KitKatMatt]

Artists like to push buttons. I'm an artist and I know that all too well- been banned from more than one site for my expressions (even though said expressions were not against the rules, hahaha).

If he can make money doing something he enjoys, all the power to him.

 

[HorsieJuice]

From the article:

Chambers painted the original last November and sold it for $800 a few months laters.

So, IOW, this guy is a nobody. $800 is not very much at all for a painting and if he were held in any sort of regard by the art world, his work would be selling for quite a bit more than that. This is probably the most publicity he's ever gotten.

Here is his etsy page. Not very good, IMO.

 

[muslimsoldier4life]

So, IOW, this guy is a nobody

He used to be a nobody. Not anymore.

 

[HorsieJuice]

He used to be a nobody. Not anymore.

Well, within the art community, he's most likely still a nobody. Getting some sensationalist press doesn't mean that your work gains any new respect from the professionals in your field.

 

[elephunky]

I...um...what?

 

[muslimsoldier4life]

Well, within the art community, he's most likely still a nobody. Getting some sensationalist press doesn't mean that your work gains any new respect from the professionals in your field.

True, but it's done wonders for American Idol contestants.

 

[TerranceL]

Hmmm how can I get some free press and make myself look edgy and cool?

 

[Gadarene]

I'd not buy it. But I'd love to get feedback on how it is that this artist could think Darth Vader is a messianic figure.

Well, he was prophesised to destroy the Sith, which he technically did.

 

[Paradoxum]

Why would this offend anyone?

It's quite interesting IMO.

 

[Fenny the Fox]

From the article:



So, IOW, this guy is a nobody. $800 is not very much at all for a painting and if he were held in any sort of regard by the art world, his work would be selling for quite a bit more than that. This is probably the most publicity he's ever gotten.

Here is his etsy page. Not very good, IMO.

One has to be careful with things like that. Just because he doesn't do well in his life, or that he doesn't do well currently, do not mean he is bound to be a "nobody" or that he is not a good artist - opinions aside.

I mean, hey, Van Gogh never made it as an artist in his lifetime, but look at what his art means to the world now. And he is certainly not the only artist to have this happen.

 

[Fenny the Fox]

Why would this offend anyone?

It's quite interesting IMO.

Hmmm...Darth Vader, holding a seemingly dead Jesus over a pile of bones in what appears to be an urban warzone with the US flag flying in the background implanted in a pile of rubble.

Yeah, nothing there someone might get offended over...

But personally, I am with you. It is actually a pretty interesting image.

 

[Standing_Ultraviolet]

This painting is almost too confusing to be offensive. It's not really...it's just...not sense make...WHY?

 

[TerranceL]

This painting is almost too confusing to be offensive. It's not really...it's just...not sense make...WHY?

I view it the same way I view the crucifix dipped in urine, it's just another cry for attention.

That... or... well.. considering the subjects of this particular bit of art.. it's very possible the person was extremely bored.

 

[Standing_Ultraviolet]

I view it the same way I view the crucifix dipped in urine, it's just another cry for attention.

Probably, although...

That... or... well.. considering the subjects of this particular bit of art.. it's very possible the person was extremely bored.

...this seems to make even more sense.

Sometimes, I make weird doodles when I'm bored. Maybe this is just the equivalent of that for someone with more talent and less taste?

 

[Fenny the Fox]

This painting is almost too confusing to be offensive. It's not really...it's just...not sense make...WHY?

Oh, I am sure that we could come up with some rationale behind the mash-up of themes. But this ain't art interpretation, and the image don't seem to have been intended as a political or sociological shouting point.

 

[Standing_Ultraviolet]

Oh, I am sure that we could come up with some rationale behind the mash-up of themes. But this ain't art interpretation, and the image don't seem to have been intended as a political or sociological shouting point.

"Why, yes, the Darth Vader pieta in front of Ground Zero and near a pile of corpses appears to represent...feudalism or something."

 

[Paradoxum]

Hmmm...Darth Vader, holding a seemingly dead Jesus over a pile of bones in what appears to be an urban warzone with the US flag flying in the background implanted in a pile of rubble.

Yeah, nothing there someone might get offended over...

But personally, I am with you. It is actually a pretty interesting image.

Yeah, why would that offend? The picture of Jesus isn't Jesus, just like a picture of Muhammad isn't Muhammad. There's no need to get to stressed about it. I'd hope that people in diverse countries would have learnt to deal with disagreement.

When I was a Christian, I don't know if, or why, I would have been offended. I might have just thought, "Oh, well that's a strange picture". I'm not sure what the offence towards Jesus is meant to be. Even with a cross in urine, you can still simply accept that the artist disagrees with you, and that is because they are ignorant, not immoral.

I think shock or offence can play a role in art.

I view it the same way I view the crucifix dipped in urine, it's just another cry for attention.

Why would the cross in urine be just a cry for attention? I see no reason why it can't be a form of expression.

That... or... well.. considering the subjects of this particular bit of art.. it's very possible the person was extremely bored.

Possibly. It's not easy to tell what the point of the picture is. I suppose it could be against authoritarian reactions to 911/ terrorism, and saying that such a reaction is anti-Christ.

 

[Fenny the Fox]

"Why, yes, the Darth Vader pieta in front of Ground Zero and near a pile of corpses appears to represent...feudalism or something."

'No matter how controversial or seemingly-absurd your critique, as long as you justify it, it can't be entirely wrong.' Silly as it seems, it works when it comes to art and literature analysis. lol