In ”Falling From Grace” we see a winged man falling into a pasture, sheep grazing in the distance. One looks up to take notice of the descending mythological being. Flanked by trees on both sides, light illuminates the figure from behind providing an illusion of serenity. His outstretched arms reflect a sense of non-urgency. The feeling is he might land on a soft surface breaking his impact. The overall color is warm and inviting. Do we represent the sheep? Where did this angel fall from and why?
I chose a man of Mexican descent to be depicted in the scene, to widen the diversity of what seems to have been a predominantly white narrative in religious iconography. I have illustrated him in the nude allowing him to be somewhat sexualized as much of classical iconography was intended on the part of many artists throughout history.
come fall with me upon the heathen moors
where godlike angels demon light instead
where strength of landscape purposes and soars
on our romantic wings where love has led
half heart and purposed to intent we fall
together in the opulence of now
in sunlight by shadows gathering our all
to watch your nakedness here I suppose
some gathering, some reticence of cause
falls us together in the light’s embrace
without a purposed pleasure what once was
seemingly trusted in your fall from grace
and gathered in the captured sense you give
away to us falling and falling live.
—Terrel Hale
