Highlights from the Third International Art Competition: Applying the Gospel in our Lives exhibition held in 1994.

Many people long for a family circle that is joyful and complete. The animation and feeling present in this work give it its appeal. The artist has produced numerous versions of this work with different numbers of figures and in different colors of stone. The artist made use of this now traditional contemporary African art form.

Zimbabwe 
1993 
Cut and polished stone 
9.5 × 8 × 4.5 in. 
Church History Museum Collection

Agrippa Ndongwe (1953– )

Happy Family of Six Sealed for time and All Eternity

For this Korean artist, the refraction of light by this crystal representation of the temple is symbolic of temple experiences for members of the Church. He also said that the crystal material suggests a “taste of eternity because of its colorless brilliance, refined light, and its clear ringing sound. Above all the temple is remarkable for its cleanliness and refinement.”

South Korea 
1993 
Cut crystal 
7 × 10 × 10 in. 
Church History Museum Collection

Yu-Seon Kim

Beauty of the Seoul Korea Temple

Ascent has become a favorite of Church members for its message and display of artistic skill. Brother Linn says, "Living the gospel demands that we help one another climb upward out of the darkness of the world into the light of truth. As the Lord's Church, we form a living chain on the mountain of this mortal existence, drawing one another toward the presence of the Lord.”

United States 
1993 
Oil on canvas 
60 × 40 in. 
Church History Museum Collection

David Linn (1959– )

Ascent

The artist has served as bishop of the Nigeria Benin City Ward. He understands the Church emphasis on strong and eternal families, grounded in the teachings of Jesus Christ as conveyed in the scriptures. This work comes from the artistic traditions of Benin City, West Africa, which is known for its sculpture tradition in bronze, clay, and wood.

Nigeria 
1994 
Stained okheum wood 
55.25 × 28 × 11 in. 
Church History Museum Collection

Lawrence Ehigiator

The Family as a Central Unit in the Church

The artist said that the painting depicts Church saints going to the rural chapel to pay their devotion to God. Each of them represents aspects of gospel teachings. Among the concepts presented are missionary work, family interaction, close family ties, love and endurance, and zeal to perform duties. This is a typical Sunday scene among faithful Church members.

Philippines 
1994 
Oil on cavas 
33 × 43 in. 
Church History Museum Collection

Bernardo Gray

Illumination

The artist of this three–dimensional piece wrote that the “theme of this work is home production as we apply the gospel into our lives. I tried to express the joy of families working together, nurturing and harvesting. I love this family with a young girl in the middle holding a watermelon in her arms with her loving parents and older brother.”

Japan 
1993 
Woven rattan fiber 
19 × 36 × 24 in. 
Church History Museum Collection

Applying the Gospel in Our Lives

Happy Family of Six Sealed for time and All Eternity

Beauty of the Seoul Korea Temple

Ascent

The Family as a Central Unit in the Church

Illumination

Home Gardening