The Psalms: An Artist's Impression

By Anneke Kaai and Eugene H. Peterson

Book Overview

Using vibrant acrylics on Plexiglas, Dutch artist Anneke Kaai applies paintbrush and collage techniques to give body to her experience of the Psalms. The verses that inspired her paintings appear alongside, taken from The Message by Eugene H. Peterson.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0830822895
• ISBN13: 9780830822898
• Release Date: January 2000
• Publisher: Intervarsity Pr
• Length: 54 Pages
• Weight: 1.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 12.8" x 0.8" x 9.5"

Customer Reviews

Abstract Symbolism Meets the Psalms

I have been looking all over for works that depict biblical themes through modern art. Anneke Kaai takes Psalms that we are all familiar with and puts a refreshing spin on them. The medium, oils and acrylics on plexiglass, is incredibly unique and beautiful. She captures the emotion of the Psalms in her use of color and contrasting lights and darks. Coupled with passages from Eugene H. Peterson's "The Message," the Psalms spring to life in this book, letting modern audiences identify with timeless Truth and a very good God. :)

A book without traditional images

In the late middle ages, no book of the bible was illustrated as frequently and fully as the book of Psalms. But then the practice went out of fashion. Now, contemporary Dutch artist Anneke Kaai has received the tradition, creating 25 admirable paintings and collages based on interpretations of 25 Psalms. The images, however, are not traditional: I find no scenes of David playing his harp in this tall, slim beautifully printed volume. Rather, the paintings are quite simple and abstract. A single, craggy cliff illustrates Psalm 31. The Psalm 84 is illustrated with small sparrows nest in the lily-shaped capital of the bronze column named Boaz, which stood outside Salomon's Temple. I considered this volume an exquisite expression of the religious art. It is intense and contemplative at the same time.