“I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?
I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”
Young-Ly Hong Chandra (Korea, b. 1970), Paper River Flow in the Desert, 2021, Joshua Tree National Park. Traditional handmade Korean mulberry paper, stained with acrylic, watercolour, ink and gel.
Hong Chandra uses this paper to create a ‘portable installation’ so that the ‘river can flow’ in many places. “I am a small river bearer,” she says, “who’s conveying the big vision of the river flow to give life to many and will reflect the glory of God clear as crystal.”
“For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onwards and for evermore.”
Elena Markova (Russian, b. 1967–), Christmas Dreams, 2010, acrylic on canvas.
Bible Passage: Isaiah 9:1-7, Isaiah 42 - 43
My Big Story Bible: Pages 120, 134