Shadows of Reality

Georges Seurat was driven to develop an original way to portray the world. Born on this day in 1859, he grew up in an era when artists had been impacted by the impressionists, with their distinctive perspective and techniques.

But Seurat would not imitate the approaches of the impressionists or other artists. Determined to find his own unique style, he developed a method, eventually called “Pointillism,” using only small dots to compose entire paintings. His innovations were the outcome of his study of scientific theories about color and expression.

When employed on a massive scale, the impact could be surprisingly effective. This can be seen clearly in paintings such as his “A Sunday on La Grande Jatte,” on display at the Art Institute of Chicago.

Artists in all generations have struggled to develop their personal perspective. Their challenge has been how to depict their subjects. How closely do they want to imitate the objects themselves? Do they want to convey an impression? To seek realism? Or, like Seurat, to focus on many individual points?

As individuals, each of us has the opportunity to determine how we will view the world, and our approach to life. These perspectives are guided by our unique personalities and experiences but also by the training we have received.

The Bible reminds us that God alone has the perfect perspective. That all of us have human limitations that distort the images we see. That God Himself is “the fountain of life.” And we really only see light through His light (Psalm 36:9).

The Bible also encourages us to realize that everything in this world is temporary. Every moment. Every development. Everything that seems concrete. We find the permanent only through Him. Only in the world which is to come.

Make sure that you seek God’s perspective on life and the issues you face.