Praying the Angelus with Art: This Week's Image

This is an "Annunciation in Flowers" created by Macria Carole in the Mehndi style from India. The artist, who in a Christian involved in healing through art, offers workshops for groups all over the world, and allows people to unite their pain with the story of Jesus.

Here’s the background of the illustration in an art form which most westerners (like me) are familiar with from seeing henna designs in National Geographic photos:

For this piece, I began with fiery watercolor yellows. Heaven has come to earth! (The rescue mission for mankind has begun!) I have used large flowers for Mary, suggesting she is a virgin, along with a typical Indian dupatta. She shows surprise in her face at this news because she has not been with a man. I have portrayed Gabriel as a creature who is powerfully breaking through into earth from heaven. I have used many mehndi symbols and forms in Gabriel's attire in order to portray the concept of rich other-worldliness. I have also suggested the presence of the Holy Spirit through the dove woven into Gabriel's attire.