My cross to bear
(1985)
Medium
oil, alkyd resin, enamel and wax emulsion on canvas
Measurements
182.8 × 244.4 cm
Credit Line
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Gift of Charles Nodrum through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program, 2017
© Gareth Sansom/Licensed by Copyright Agency, Australia
Gallery location
Gallery 10
Level 2, NGV Australia
About this work
Gareth Sansom’s work often references representations of faith, god and death in popular culture. Here the incorporation of the crucifix within a largely abstract work represents this fascination with the investment of faith in all aspects of life. Sansom reflects on his relationship to art in a manner that could be compared to a believer and their god. His titular ‘cross to bear’ references the pressure he places on himself to produce art that is both challenging and successful.
Artwork Details
Place/s of Execution
Melbourne, Victoria
Inscription
inscribed in pencil and red fibre-tipped pen on reverse u.c.: MY CROSS TO BARE Gareth Sansom
Accession Number
2017.234
Department
Contemporary Art
Subjects (general)
Abstract Art Literary and Text Religion and Mythology
Subjects (specific)
buildings (structures) colours (hues or tints) crosses (motifs) layers (components) lines (artistic concept) words (layout features)