Adam Thomas is a sculptor and professor of art. His new exhibition, Creation, Expulsion, Redemption, is currently on view at the Jacob Spori Art Gallery at BYU Idaho. Exploring themes surrounding Adam and Eve, the Garden of Eden, and the subsequent relationship between God and man, the 27 works that make up the exhibition are the culmination of some 20 years of work from Thomas’ time as a graduate student in Texas to today.
For more information about the exhibition, go here.
To see more of Adam Thomas’ work, please visit his Instagram or personal website.
Adam Thomas. Celestial Navigation. Mixed media.
Eve's decision to partake of the fruit reveals a thoughtfulness and insight from a distinctly feminine point of view. She saw the great eternal purpose and cause in having seed. She took the commandment to multiply and replenish the Earth seriously and realized there was only one way- to obey. She is represented by a Three legged fruit ladder. Atop the ladder is a telescope from which to chart her course which is represented beneath her the constellations laid out in various seeds for each constellation. Other distinctly domestic objects denote both temporal and heavenly home.
Adam Thomas. The First Supper. Limestone, Travertine, Olivewood, Wheat, Grapes and Olives.
This work suggests a simple meal gathered from food immediately available following the expulsion. They are foods both physically sustaining and spiritually symbolic. Representing both a dining table and an altar, it addresses both the physical and spiritual sustenance we require in a fallen world.
Adam Thomas. A Protection. Sheepskin, harness, dye.
This piece symbolizes the coat of skins God made for Adam and Eve before expelling them out into the dark and dreary world. Depictions often show them in something like deerskin tunics. However, if an animal was to be sacrificed to physically and spiritually protect Adam and Eve, the Type and Shadow would be a sheepskin. A single Robe is hung on a harness. Often a symbol of labor and sin, but also a token of who and what we attach ourselves to and labor toward. This harness is a visual precursor of a cross beam and the single fleece a representation of the Lamb of God. The Savior has asked us to take his yoke upon us and bear our cross.
Adam Thomas. Rising Above. Wood, Hardware.
In a kneeling posture a 10’ ladder has lowered itself. An object often associated with up has humbly come down. Thoughts ascend heaven-ward when on knees in supplication. The ladders exterior is scarred, battered and beaten. However, its inside is cleaner and the damaged surface history is slowly being erased.