In “The Dove” sculpture, Gib Singleton portrays Christ opening His arms to you, the viewer, as if to embrace you, invite you in. The face of Jesus is facing you;...
In “The Dove” sculpture, Gib Singleton portrays Christ opening His arms to you, the viewer, as if to embrace you, invite you in. The face of Jesus is facing you; the eyes are locked into yours if you will look into them. The sculptor continues to create art that he wants you to reach to and interact with. Singleton is a kind of theologian and preacher that wants to act upon you in his mystical art works. It is not predatory but gentle in its approach, more like an invitation. Note the shroud-like garment of Christ, it bears marks and stripes. The Dove in the right hand of Christ is the universal sign of peace. Being at peace is to have harmony, tranquility, and serenity. Translated as peace in English, the Hebrew word shalom is used to say hello and goodbye. Shalom literally means peace but with the nuances of completeness, good health, and wholeness. In this brutal, violent and disturbing world, Singleton has generated a sculpture of meditation and prayer to ease the viewer’s pain, sorrow and trouble.
“In art you use symbols. The dove is a symbol of God. A symbol of love. A symbol of forgiveness.”