Order includes:

• high-res image file formatted for print

• high-res image file formatted for web/projection

• A PDF of the Artist's statements & scripture reference for the visual

• A visio divina Bible Study Guide for you to use this image in a group study session that incorporates the ancient Benedictine spiritual practice of "divine seeing."

Credit Info:

When printing and sharing online, please always include the following credits:
Artist's name | A Sanctified Art LLC | sanctifiedart.org

FROM THE ARTIST:

Before I started this piece, I went to the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts and Culture in Charlotte, North Carolina. As our guide explained some of the architectural features of the building, I learned that abolitionists used to hang quilts outside of their homes to signal safety for those on the underground railroad. A few minutes later, I walked into an exhibit of large quilts draping the vibrant exhibit hall with explicit stories from slavery, 1990s ballroom culture, and an interpretation of Greek mythology. I was mesmerized by the manipulation of fabric and the storytelling that took place within each stitch. Are quilts symbols of resistance?

This trip inspired me to take a different approach to creating art for the Christmas story. While I typically produce maximalist canvases with overwhelming details, this piece is toned down and more precision-oriented. As someone who has never been able to draw a straight line, creating this quilt design out of paper was a discipline in and of itself. Creating it made me think of the kind of diligence and patience needed to sew a fabric quilt. These are projects made with love. The hands that sew them should never be taken for granted.

It is for this reason that I titled this piece, Abolition Baby. Even though we are over 150 years removed from the Civil War, abolitionism is still relevant today. The United States is only 4% of the world population, but it contains nearly 25% of the world’s incarcerated population. According to the 13th amendment, slavery is illegal in the U.S. with the exception of incarcerated individuals. Some of the largest prisons in states such as Louisiana and Georgia are former plantations. Prison labor is used by major corporations where they pay Black and Brown people pennies on the dollar.

I will not declare Jesus an abolitionist, but I will note that Jesus would grow up to call out any society that created environments where people are forced to commit crimes or work in unprecedented fields in order to survive. Mary was excited to bring Jesus into the world because she believed in the promise of liberation for her people. Jesus’ birth was a symbol of hope for the future, for a freed people. Love knows his name. And it is freedom.

—Rev. Nicolette Peñaranda