Chris Woods was commissioned in 1994 by a parishioner to paint the Stations of the Cross for St. David's
Anglican Church in Vancouver, BC. John Bentley Mays writes in the Globe and Mail, "Since late medieval times, the 14
images of Via Dolorosa, carved or painted, have been common sights in Roman Catholic churches and many Anglican ones. They
were put there to serve as visual anchors for a sequence of special hymns, prayers and devotions used most frequently during
Lent. The idea was, and is, to pause reverently and re-live the poignant moment recalled by each image and it's title."
Woods took on the challenge to place this series in a contemporary setting. The figures enact
the trials of Christ on his march to the crucifixion in downtown Vancouver. Using his friends and family as models, Woods
reinvented the images of Christ's passion for a modern audience.
Although not a christian, Woods felt the project would provide him a window on a theme that has compelled western artists
for 2000 years. These works are on permanent display at St. David's in Vancouver, BC. If you wish to view the paintings
please contact St. David's Anglican in Vancouver BC.
