Some Words
Life and Miracles
Vitor Mejuto
06.2024
Between the 8th and 9th centuries, a debate arose between iconodules and iconoclasts that would determine the course of Western art.
The controversy revolved around whether an image can serve as a vehicle to the divine, as argued by Saint John Damascene, or if, on the contrary, the immense erotic potential of images turns them into objects of worship—idols that seduce us and divert our gaze from God.
The Second Council of Nicaea ended this struggle, and thanks to this definitive victory over iconoclastic puritanism, we have a history of art rich in images, as well as an abundance of religious motifs, biblical passages, depictions of saints, and more.
The exhibition *Life and Miracles* by Vítor Mejuto explores and enriches this deeply meaningful vein, distilled through his own visual language and poetic approach.
“I have found in the Bible a great visual richness. Like a grand adventure book. I have painted passages, miracles, and parables. Upon investigation, I realized that some of these narratives have become recurring themes for many painters throughout history. Conversely, others have been scarcely illustrated. My intention is to shed light on some of these shadowed areas and humbly complete this illustrated understanding of the Bible, filled with didactic, moralizing images, and in many cases, terrifying ones.”
Mejuto states that two parables have accompanied him throughout his life: *The Other Cheek* and *The Parable of the Talents*. Both are appeals to courage and valor. The first invites defending one’s stance without humbling oneself or harming others (a strategy that, as Gandhi demonstrated, can hold immense transformative power). The second calls to action—to sow what one has, no matter how humble it may be, without fear.
We hope you enjoy this exhibition as much as we do, and we wish you courage, bravery, and good luck in all your endeavors.
Warm regards.