Bloody Head

Jesus instructed us to seek Him in the faces of those marginalized, the outcasts of society. Among the poorest of the poor, the least esteemed of all. "Truly I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me" - Matthew 25:45. This painting is a submission for the STIGMA collective exhibition with the theme of discrimination. In our contemporary world, particularly in Indonesia, the marginalized members of society often include transgender individuals. They frequently endure inhumane treatment from their fellow humans, facing rejection from dignified life and employment opportunities. Many become victims of violent acts and, to some extent, are forced to sacrifice their chosen identities for their safety. I depict this suffering through a close-up, frontal portrayal of a transgender woman who has been assaulted simply because of her identity. Many recoil in disgust at the mere sight of them. Yet, if we hold true to the belief that every human is created in the image and likeness of God, can we not also see Him in these individuals?